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5 Reasons To Plant Ferns For Low-Maintenance Gardens

by Karastin Anderson-Sons – March 13, 2023

5 Reasons To Plant Ferns 


Are you tired of spending countless hours in your garden to keep your plants alive and healthy? If so, it's time to consider adding ferns to your outdoor space. Ferns are an excellent option for those who want a low-maintenance garden requiring little watering, pruning, or fertilization. They are easy to care for and add a lush, green, and natural touch to any landscape.

In this article, we'll explore five reasons with five ferns and why ferns should be your go-to plant for creating a low-maintenance garden. Whether a seasoned gardener or a beginner, you'll find plenty of reasons to love these beautiful, hardy plants.

If you've learned how to grow Ferns, you'll have many options for adding greenery to your garden. Ferns are incredibly easy to grow too. They are available in various colors, textures, sizes, and shapes.

They like cool and shaded, so this gives them a chance to establish before the higher temperatures of winter or summer begin to set in. They will thrive in sunny areas so long as you ensure they're well-watered. If you plan to plant them in spring, you can mix in flowers like wood anemones, hellebores, cyclamens, and snowdrops, as they are excellent plant companions.
Maidenhair Fern

Maidenhair fern is a unique species native to two continents: North America in the United States and Canada and Asia in the Himalayan region. This graceful fern's low-maintenance and easy-growing requirements make it sought-after for shade.

Gardens, borders with shade garden beds, even on the slopes of ponds with shade. They are also great to plant on sloped hills and have less sunlight as they're much easier to cultivate than grass. The look is delicate; however, these ferns are tough. They're cold-tolerant, disease-resistant, and insect-resistant.

The fronds could grow up to 16" to 26" tall, and then the plant develops to form a beautiful oval at its base. The appearance of ferns with maidenhair can fool you. They come in a variety of small, fan shaped.



Leaflets are made up of one hair, which looks similar to hair.

 

Leaflets sport a vibrant spring green color with some coloration due to darker veins that contrast.

Maidenhair ferns are a pleasant species. They require little care and need a semi-shaded area and fertile soil. They sometimes enjoy adding wood compost or earthworm castings that give them vibrant growth.

The most crucial element is keeping the soil around your plants damp but not excessively. You are prepared if you reside in a rainy climate or a high-humidity zone. People who live in dry areas should plan to water their ferns every day in the summertime thoroughly.

Reason# 1

Ferns are easy to care for: Ferns require very little care, making them an excellent choice for low-maintenance gardens. They thrive in the shade and do not require frequent watering or fertilization.

Hay Scented Fern

This low-maintenance species is a native plant of the Eastern United States. It performs well in all zones of temperate USDA zone of growth. They can flourish in all types of soils that range from dry woods and rocky forests to dense, moist hardwood forests. An important thing to consider is the soil condition and water quality. As with most ferns, the scent of hay is that it likes to remain moist and not get too wet or dry.

The gorgeous golden-brown stems support the crisp, spring-green fronds, creating the triangular shape. Each frond has bright leaflets that are large at the base and then sharpened to form a sharp tip towards the end. The frond's texture gives it an attractive hair-like, hair-like appearance.

The plant can reach an adult height of fewer than two feet. However, it can spread up to four feet. This growing pattern is an excellent ground cover or specimen plant in your shade garden. The plant is 3 feet wide and tall and can be quickly spread out for groundcovers.

Reason# 2

Ferns are adaptable: Ferns can grow in various soil types and tolerate different sunlight and moisture levels. It makes them a versatile choice for gardens with varying conditions.


Ostrich Fern

Ostrich fern gets its name because of its springtime appearance. As new growth emerges in the springtime, the newly formed fronds sport the brown fuzzy layer known as the crown. When the fronds break, it falls off. The height is an oval shape on the top of the fronds. It is reminiscent of an ostrich tucking its head in to hide.

Matteuccia Struthiopteris is a vast and beautiful perennial fern with elegant, plume-like fronds that will draw much attention. They like a moist, partially shaded location within USDA zones 3-7.

Ostrich Fern is a stunning ornamental plant that makes a dramatic, elegant statement in any. It's ideal near the garden's back border or in natural areas near water features, an acquisition, or any other partially shaded area you could discover.

The process of planting and maintaining the ostrich fern is simple. The primary requirement is to plant it within a shaded spot because it needs indirect light, not sunlight. It will adapt to the sunrise sun but cannot tolerate the afternoon sun. It is attracted by fertile, moist soil with rapid and efficient drainage. It prefers a humid environment but is not a fan of wet roots for the course.

Reason# 3

Ferns are attractive: Ferns come in various sizes and shapes, and their delicate fronds can add texture and interest to any garden. They are also available in shades of green, making them a visually appealing addition to any landscape.

Lady Fern

Beautiful and delicate Lady Ferns (Athyrium spp.) are a perfect match for their name. They vary in both size and structure. They can be upright while others spread. Lady ferns can tolerate dry, sun-lit soil and shed their leaves in the fall.

Lady Fern is a gorgeous green plant that is native to North Africa, Asia, as well as some regions in North America. This stunning plant is distinguished by its vast, vibrant leaves. It is known as the Lady Fern, is a favorite in the shade, and is usually found in areas with woods.

The plant is multiplying and can grow up to 5 feet. The plant begins with fiddleheads which fall off and reveal delicate, long leaves. This attractive plant makes lavish greenery for any landscape and isn't too difficult to keep.

It's a great garden addition, particularly if you need to become more familiar with gardening. Overall, this variety of ferns is straightforward to care for and is aesthetically flexible. If you have a space in your garden that has beautiful shade and well-drained soil, this fern might be an excellent option for your garden.

Reason# 4

Ferns are hardy: Ferns can withstand extreme temperatures and weather conditions, making them a durable choice for low-maintenance gardens. They are also resistant to pests and diseases, making them a low-risk option for gardeners.

Leatherwood Fern

Leatherwood fern is a challenging and weather-resistant North American native species that can withstand some of the coldest regions in the adjacent United States. It is semi-evergreen because the leaves might droop and go into dormancy during the coldest days, then open again when it becomes warmer.

Dryopteris Marginalis is a small semi-evergreen fern that can cover even your garden's dark and shadiest areas. The shade-loving fern needs less than four hours of sunlight for easy maintenance. It thrives best in USDA zones 3-8.

When you place it in full shade, Dryopteris marginalia requires almost no care. It prefers a woodland area where it can share moisture with trees and get its nutrition from fallen leaves.

You'll only need to take care of it during a prolonged drought or heatwave. It may require a bit of watering. It's drought-resistant; therefore, give it enough to survive the dry season; it will bounce back quickly in the next storm.

Reason# 5



Ferns are environmentally friendly

 

Ferns are a natural choice for gardens, as they require no chemicals or pesticides to thrive. They are also a food source and habitat for many wildlife species, making them an eco-friendly garden option.




 

Products from the article

Hay Scented Fern - TN Nursery

Hay Scented Fern

The Hay-Scented Fern is a deciduous fern known for its delicate, finely divided fronds and a distinctive fragrance reminiscent of freshly mown hay when crushed, commonly found in woodland areas. It is a versatile and attractive plant with numerous landscaping benefits. This deciduous plant is native to North America and can be valuable to garden designs, incorporating texture, ground cover, and visual interest. Hay Scented Fern is native to the open woodlands. Whether it's growing in a pot, adding charm to gardens, or providing flawless ground cover, the natural elegance of the plant can enhance any space. Decorative Attributes of  Hay Scented Fern Also known as dennstaedtia punctilobula, this classy and stylish greenery is both functional and decorative in a laid-back kind of way. The plant has narrow fronds that create bright green leaves throughout the spring and summer. In fall, the fronds turn golden yellow to provide a stunning display of seasonal color. These plants provide superior ground cover, and because of their decorative qualities, the fragrant ferns can add texture and splashes of bright greenery to shade gardens. The greenery also makes a unique and striking border for garden beds. Amazing Fragrance Of Hay Scented Fern Scented types exude an aroma of freshly cut hay in the late summer. That's how this plant got its name. The wonderful aroma smells like summer itself, with the fragrance of freshly mowed lawns hanging sweetly in the warm air. The fresh, summery fragrance is released into the air when the stems are disturbed or broken. Perhaps because of the scent, the plant repels rabbits and deer, which many gardeners appreciate. Fall Foliage Of Hay Scented Fern Because these plants are deciduous, they lose their leaves in late fall and early winter. Nevertheless, because they are shade perennials, the plants produce fresh growth throughout the spring and summer. Garden Display Of Hay Scented Fern Unlike many other species, this plant has individual fronds that grow almost straight up from an underground stem called a rhizome. Plants can be up to two feet tall and four feet wide. The feathery, finely textured fronds are appreciated for their lush and abundant appearance. After emerging from the creeping underground stems, the fronds spread slowly, forming clusters of bright green carpeting over the ground. Abundant little leaflets give the fronds their lush, feathery appeal. The small leaflets have finely serrated margins and pointy, lance-shaped tips that are positioned alternately along the length of the stem. The fronds provide a stunning explosion of vibrant green foliage that makes a stunning backdrop for any surrounding landscape.

$7.99
$7.99
Ostrich Fern - TN Nursery

Ostrich Fern

The Ostrich Fern is a large, deciduous fern with graceful, feathery fronds that resemble ostrich plumes, commonly found in moist woodland areas and prized for its ornamental value. It is a magnificent and beneficial plant with several advantages in landscaping projects. The Tall and Lovely Ostrich Fern It's an attractive dimorphic plant that gardeners use all year round to beautify their patches. In its nonfertile state, the plant grows to a height of 6 feet, the gorgeous fronds resembling plumes, hence the plant's name. In its fertile state, which occurs in the fall and early winter, it is much smaller. The shape is interesting, however, so it still provides pleasing shapes in a garden, even if that shape does change. The Different Phases of the Ostrich Fern When nonfertile, it is a rich, almost Kelly green, the arching fronds swooshing enticingly in the breeze. They offer quite a contrast with other blooming plants and serve as color anchors in a garden of flowers. They're hardy, too, so you can plant them nearly anywhere to beautify a particular place. Although they aren't green and sweeping in the winter, they're still attractive as they survive the cold and snow while the perennials are snoozing until the spring. Ostrich Fern: An Environmental Friend First, its extensive root system is a great soil stabilizer, and the other plants in the garden will benefit thereby because its roots prevent erosion and nutrient loss in the soil. Second, they are a boon to various garden-dwelling wildlife. Several species of butterflies and beneficial insects rely on plants like it for shelter and as a place for egg laying and pupae maturation. Perhaps best of all, although fiddleheads are a delicacy for people when cooked, animals don't like their taste. So, you won't have to worry about rabbits, deer, and other woodland creatures venturing into the garden for a snack. The Serenity of the Ostrich Fern Practitioners of feng shui rely on it to bring harmony to both a dwelling and the garden adjacent to it. The way it morphs back into a verdant, thriving plant after being so much smaller throughout the winter indicates a symbolism of new beginnings, too.
$7.99
$7.99
Hay Scented Fern - TN Nursery

Hay Scented Fern

The Hay-Scented Fern is a deciduous fern known for its delicate, finely divided fronds and a distinctive fragrance reminiscent of freshly mown hay when crushed, commonly found in woodland areas. It is a versatile and attractive plant with numerous landscaping benefits. This deciduous plant is native to North America and can be valuable to garden designs, incorporating texture, ground cover, and visual interest. Hay Scented Fern is native to the open woodlands. Whether it's growing in a pot, adding charm to gardens, or providing flawless ground cover, the natural elegance of the plant can enhance any space. Decorative Attributes of  Hay Scented Fern Also known as dennstaedtia punctilobula, this classy and stylish greenery is both functional and decorative in a laid-back kind of way. The plant has narrow fronds that create bright green leaves throughout the spring and summer. In fall, the fronds turn golden yellow to provide a stunning display of seasonal color. These plants provide superior ground cover, and because of their decorative qualities, the fragrant ferns can add texture and splashes of bright greenery to shade gardens. The greenery also makes a unique and striking border for garden beds. Amazing Fragrance Of Hay Scented Fern Scented types exude an aroma of freshly cut hay in the late summer. That's how this plant got its name. The wonderful aroma smells like summer itself, with the fragrance of freshly mowed lawns hanging sweetly in the warm air. The fresh, summery fragrance is released into the air when the stems are disturbed or broken. Perhaps because of the scent, the plant repels rabbits and deer, which many gardeners appreciate. Fall Foliage Of Hay Scented Fern Because these plants are deciduous, they lose their leaves in late fall and early winter. Nevertheless, because they are shade perennials, the plants produce fresh growth throughout the spring and summer. Garden Display Of Hay Scented Fern Unlike many other species, this plant has individual fronds that grow almost straight up from an underground stem called a rhizome. Plants can be up to two feet tall and four feet wide. The feathery, finely textured fronds are appreciated for their lush and abundant appearance. After emerging from the creeping underground stems, the fronds spread slowly, forming clusters of bright green carpeting over the ground. Abundant little leaflets give the fronds their lush, feathery appeal. The small leaflets have finely serrated margins and pointy, lance-shaped tips that are positioned alternately along the length of the stem. The fronds provide a stunning explosion of vibrant green foliage that makes a stunning backdrop for any surrounding landscape.

$7.99
$7.99
Ostrich Fern - TN Nursery

Ostrich Fern

The Ostrich Fern is a large, deciduous fern with graceful, feathery fronds that resemble ostrich plumes, commonly found in moist woodland areas and prized for its ornamental value. It is a magnificent and beneficial plant with several advantages in landscaping projects. The Tall and Lovely Ostrich Fern It's an attractive dimorphic plant that gardeners use all year round to beautify their patches. In its nonfertile state, the plant grows to a height of 6 feet, the gorgeous fronds resembling plumes, hence the plant's name. In its fertile state, which occurs in the fall and early winter, it is much smaller. The shape is interesting, however, so it still provides pleasing shapes in a garden, even if that shape does change. The Different Phases of the Ostrich Fern When nonfertile, it is a rich, almost Kelly green, the arching fronds swooshing enticingly in the breeze. They offer quite a contrast with other blooming plants and serve as color anchors in a garden of flowers. They're hardy, too, so you can plant them nearly anywhere to beautify a particular place. Although they aren't green and sweeping in the winter, they're still attractive as they survive the cold and snow while the perennials are snoozing until the spring. Ostrich Fern: An Environmental Friend First, its extensive root system is a great soil stabilizer, and the other plants in the garden will benefit thereby because its roots prevent erosion and nutrient loss in the soil. Second, they are a boon to various garden-dwelling wildlife. Several species of butterflies and beneficial insects rely on plants like it for shelter and as a place for egg laying and pupae maturation. Perhaps best of all, although fiddleheads are a delicacy for people when cooked, animals don't like their taste. So, you won't have to worry about rabbits, deer, and other woodland creatures venturing into the garden for a snack. The Serenity of the Ostrich Fern Practitioners of feng shui rely on it to bring harmony to both a dwelling and the garden adjacent to it. The way it morphs back into a verdant, thriving plant after being so much smaller throughout the winter indicates a symbolism of new beginnings, too.
$7.99
$7.99
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