Planting Native Ferns as a Border Sanctuary

Royal Fern

The Royal Fern is a large, striking fern with feathery fronds and a distinctive crown of fertile fronds. It is typically found in wetland habitats and is appreciated for its ornamental appeal in gardens. The Royal Fern is distinctive from other plants in the class because of its notable size. Specifically, this is one of the largest that grows outside of tropical zones in the United States. Also known as the osmunda regalis, the plant thrives in areas of the yard that are moist, including both shady and partially shady spots. Why should you include it in your landscaping plans? The Appearance Of Royal Fern The plant is appropriately named because it can grow up to six feet tall, and its size at maturity often makes it a solid focal point in yards. The fronds can be as comprehensive as 16 inches and feature up to nine pinna pairs, each with up to 13 pinnules. These qualities, combined with the healthy green color and the point shape of the fronts, add a rich texture to your yard that elevates aesthetics. The Wildlife Attraction and Tolerance Of Royal Fern While some wildlife is welcome in your yard, others can cause considerable damage and should be deterred. The potential damage from foragers like deer and rabbits is deterred as these animals do not use this plant for food. However, turtles, birds, and frogs, which generally do not cause damage, often seek shelter in their bushy leaves. Royal Fern is Pest Resistant While hungry insects often feed on various types of plants, it is well-known for repelling them. Specifically, the recognizable leaves have particular proteins that repel many kinds of insects. Any insects that do find their way to these plants often become food for the birds and other animals that live under the fronds for protection from the elements and their natural predators. When Royal Ferns are planted three feet apart, as recommended, there is little concern about them outgrowing their allocated space. The plants grow only a few inches yearly and do not need to be cut back to prevent overgrowth. As a result, it takes many years for the plant to reach its full size, and minimal care of this low-maintenance plant is required.

Ostrich Fern

The Ostrich Fern is a large, deciduous fern with graceful, feathery fronds that resemble ostrich plumes. It is commonly found in moist woodland areas and is prized for its ornamental value. The plant is a magnificent and beneficial plant with several advantages in landscaping projects. The Tall and Lovely Ostrich Fern Ostrich Fern is 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. However, The shape is attractive, so it still provides pleasing shapes in a garden, even if that shape changes. The Different Phases of Ostrich Fern When nonfebrile, it is a rich, almost Kelly green, the arching fronds swooshing enticingly in the breeze. It contrasts with other blooming plants and serves as a color anchor 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 sleep until spring. First, Ostrich Fern's extensive root system is an excellent 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 Ostrich Fern Feng shui practitioners rely on it to bring harmony to a dwelling and the adjacent garden. The way it morphs back into a verdant, thriving plant after being so much smaller throughout the winter also indicates a symbolism of new beginnings.

Sensitive Fern

The Sensitive Fern is a hardy, deciduous plant with finely dissected fronds that curl up when touched or exposed to frost. This makes it a unique and exciting addition to damp woodland gardens. This fern is a beloved plant that gets its name due to its sensitive nature, preferring specific environments that are mostly warm and humid. But despite its name, it's one that you should pay attention to if you live in a region that it can grow in. Let's examine why this perennial plant is a must-have for your landscape.  Sensitive Fern Is Stunning in Greater Numbers This plant looks good, but it produces a lush, green, thick spectacle that quickly adds more to any space when you plant multiple perennials together. The lobed leaves blend and reach up and out at a maximum height of about two feet. If you want to add some volume and life to spaces that need it most, consider adding several plants to your landscape. They may even spread naturally with time. Sensitive Fern Acts As a Home for Wildlife These plants grow in areas where wildlife flourishes, meaning they play an essential role in the ecosystem. Speaking of its more practical uses, small animals like frogs and salamanders will use the leaves of this plant to take cover and escape from the heat. If you're looking for plants that are friends with and attractors of wildlife, this one will be an excellent fit for your space. Sensitive Fern also serves as a source for animals and insects, so you won't have to worry about the wildlife population in your area decimating your plants before you can enjoy them. It is both deer—and rabbit-resistant, with larger animals only taking a few leaves or avoiding them entirely. This ensures that your plants still contribute positively to the environment but aren't at risk of being wiped out by animals. Sensitive Fern Is A Stunning Border Plant Groundcover like Sensitive Fern is the perfect solution where more common plants cannot grow. Adding height and color to more moist and humid areas of your property, these perennials take root and help your property look less bare, supporting the areas in your yard that need it most.

Maidenhair Fern

The Maidenhair Fern is a delicate, deciduous plant with finely divided, fan-shaped fronds and distinctive black stems, adding an elegant touch to shaded gardens and moist woodlands. It is an aesthetically pleasing plant that offers a range of benefits when used in landscaping. Its unique characteristics and visual appeal make it famous for outdoor and indoor spaces.  The Maidenhair is prized for its delicate leaves and long lifespan. The scientific name is Adiantum SPP, and it's part of 250 species of these plants, including the Northern, Delta, and Southern Maidenhair ferns. The Greek part of the plant's official name means unwetted, and it gets that name from its ability to shed water without getting damp. These plants are native to the Himalayas, East Asia, and the eastern part of North America. Maidenhair Fern's Leaves  Adiantum spp are prized for their fan-shaped leaves. They are known to make excellent houseplants and usually grow between one and two feet tall and the same width. Their stems are wiry black, while the leaves are bright green. Gardeners can expect them to reach their full height in three years, and with proper care, they can live up to 15 years. Maidenhair Fern Grows Well In Pots  Adiantum SPP grows well in pots, containers, and terrariums and can be replanted as it outgrows its container. It also makes great container plants and can be planted in shade gardens and hosta gardens. The Adiantum SPP is known for its air purification qualities. The leaves draw in airborne toxins and are used as nutrients, helping them clean the air wherever they are planted. They also release moisture, which can help combat dry indoor air. When the Adiantum SPP is grown outdoors, it can help stabilize loose soil and cover wildlife, including frogs, lizards, and birds. Birds will sometimes use the dried frons to line their nests. Companion Plants For Maidenhair Fern  The Adiantum SPP can be grown with other flowers and ferns, including the strawberry begonia, coral bells, ginger, woodland geraniums, bloodroot, hostas, hellebores, and pulmonarias. Gardeners can enjoy the calmness of Maidenhair Ferns indoors and outdoors. They make excellent potted plants and look wonderful around water features and along hillsides. They can also be combined with other ferns and flowers to create eye-catching garden beds.

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 Characteristics and Usage  The Hay Scented Fern offers gardeners and landscapers a convenient way to provide green ground coverage to any outdoor area. The fronds have a striking appearance due to their intricate leaflets. They also give off a unique scent, which is how they get their name. If you want to plant these intriguing plants in your yard or garden, read on as we tell you what you need to know about them.  Aesthetics Of This native Fern  The short answer is yes. The fronds of the Hay Scented Fern have individually cut leaflets that grow opposite each other. The subleaflets mimic the frond's appearance, resulting in a very intricate design and a microcosm of the plant as a whole. The color of the fronds is a verdant green in the spring and summer, giving way to a golden yellow in the fall - evocative of the colors that we commonly associate with that time of year. So, the Hay-Scented Fern will naturally keep up with the motifs of the changing seasons. The fronds of the Hay-Scented Fern are unique because they grow straight up from the underground rhizome (the stem). The fronds spread over spring and summer to cover the soil below. Hay-scented fern fronds can grow about a foot wide and up to four feet tall They have a blade-like shape that tapers to a fine point. Even at the very tip of the fronds, you can still see tiny leaflets mimicking the overall shape of the leaves. This makes them very intricate plants that evoke awe and wonder at nature's designs, whether you are looking at them up close or from afar. The fern adds a lush, forest-like aesthetic to outdoor areas. It is found in wooded areas in North America and has been added to many landscapes to affect the calm, serene aesthetic of dewy forest with dense undergrowth. Of course, the Hay Scented Fern offers gardeners an easy way to add a touch of green to brown or drab landscape areas. They work exceptionally well as edgers around hardscapes and can be used to replace grass where it may be challenging to grow. Love To Smell Fresh Cut Hay? Hay Scented Ferns Has This Summer Aroma  The beauty of the Hay-Scented Fern does not end with its visual qualities. It entices the sense of smell as well. When the fronds are rubbed, pressed, or otherwise disturbed, they give off a distinct scent of freshly cut hay. The aroma is evocative of the smells we associate with the summer months and adds an immersive element to your yard or garden.  What Does Hay-Scented Fern Offer?  It's clear that the Hay Scented Fern is a beautiful plant, but are there any practical benefits to growing it? Indeed, and here are just a few advantages: They Provide A Habitat for Wildlife - The Hay-Scented Fern provides good cover for small, ground-dwelling animals. So, if you want to make your property a sanctuary for various wildlife, this fern will provide immediate appeal. The spores on the underside of the fronds are also food for certain insects that help enrich the soil.  They Prevent Soil Erosion- This is a deciduous type of fern, which means it sheds its fronds every year only to grow new ones in the spring. This helps to stabilize the soil and prevent erosion from overdrying. The roots of the fern can also help bind the soil. They Are A Native Fern-As a fern native to North America, the hay-scented fern is easy to grow and maintain and helps purify the soil.  Other ferns like this also help remove toxins from the soil and even purify the air. They Keep Away Deer - If you are having trouble with deer damaging your plants, the Hay-Scented Fern can deter them. Lining the edge of your lawn or garden with Hay-Scented Fern can help keep deer away as they are not attracted to this type of plant. Hay-Scented Fern Frequently Asked Questions  Now let's cover some important topics about this fern and how to take care of them:  What is the Hay-Scented Fern Used for?  In suburban gardens, the Hay-Scented Fern is often used as groundcover and to provide some greenery to a landscape. In more rural areas, Hay-Scented Ferns can repel deer and other small, problematic critters.  How Big Do Hay-Scented Ferns Grow? The fronds of the Hay Scented Fern can stretch to about a foot wide. The plant can reach a height between one and four feet at maturity. Their size makes them an excellent choice for small garden areas. And if you have a large area you need to cover, they can spread quickly if you have ample shade. Do Hay-Scented Ferns Like Sun or Shade? The light requirements for Hay Scented Ferns are shaded to partially shaded areas. They also like acidic, moist soil that drains well.  How Do You Plant Hay-Scented Ferns? It's best to plant these ferns in the spring. The hole should be the depth of the rootball itself and twice as wide. The crown should be about ½" below the surface of the soil. Add compost to enrich the soil and help the Hay-Scented Fern grow properly. When Should I Prune Hay-Scented Ferns? Pruning is necessary for these ferns unless fronds or leaflets are yellowing or dying before the season. To prune, cut back the fronds down to the soil line. Any pruning should be done in the early spring after all growth has ceased. Easy and Fun Planting The prime fern specimens we sell here at TN Nursery will have you growing beautiful green plants in no time. Plus, we offer grower direct pricing so you can beautify your garden affordably. Enjoy the beauty and practical benefits of ferns by placing an order today Hay-Scented Fern Smells Like Fresh Hay That's Just Been Harvested Hay Scented Fern Dennstaedtia punctiloba, a deciduous fern, has the aroma of freshly cut hay when crushed. Up to two feet (60 cm) tall, they may extend to three or four feet (0.9-1.2 m) broad. The rhizomes of this fern, which are underground stems, are responsible for the fern's singular growth. The fronds of the hay-scented fern become a delicate yellow in the autumn. This ground cover's long lifespan is a great asset, and it's a hardy native favorite that cleans toxins from the air and the soil.  These ferns form dense clumps and are known to keep deer away. Hay-scented ferns may be found from Newfoundland to Alabama, although the eastern states of North America have the greatest concentration. U.S.D.A. climatic zones 3-8 are home to hay-scented ferns.  Forest floors are carpeted with a lush green carpet of moss and ferns. Meadows, farms, and cliffs are other typical habitats for these plants.  How to Grow a Hay-scented Fern in Your Garden Hay-scented ferns are very simple to grow since they are resilient and quickly establish themselves in the garden. A well-drained region is ideal for these ferns. Add some compost to your soil if it's lacking in nutrients. To keep the ferns from interfering with one other, you should plant them approximately 18 inches (45 centimeters) apart.  Slightly acidic soil is ideal for these ferns, which thrive in partial shade. They will not seem as lush and vibrant when grown in a whole light. Ferns in a Haystack The hay-scented fern are challenging to control once it has taken root and spread. Pulling off part of the spring growth will curb the spread of these stubborn plants if your garden needs it. Caring for a hay-scented fern does take little energy. Fish emulsion fertilizer may be used to restore the color of your ferns if they begin to fade. It has been reported that these ferns may last for a decade. Uses of Hay-Scented Ferns Wildlife Significance of Hay-Scented Ferns The Hay-Scented Fern's environmental significance to animals is pretty poor. Like other ferns, it does not constitute a significant food source; however, a few insects allegedly feed on the spore-bearing fronds. You may use them as a border-edging ground cover and naturalize your landscape with them This hardy fern favorite is native to open woodlands. Its natural elegance can enhance any space, whether it's growing in a pot, adding charm to gardens, or providing flawless ground cover. 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 way. The plant has narrow fronds that create bright green leaves throughout the spring and summer. In fall, the fronds turn golden yellow to display a stunning 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. Scented types exude an aroma of freshly cut hay in the late summer, which is 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. When the stems are disturbed or broken, they release a fresh, summery fragrance. Perhaps because of this scent, the plant repels rabbits and deer, which many gardeners appreciate. Because these deciduous plants lose their leaves in late fall and early winter, they produce fresh growth throughout the spring and summer because they are shade perennials. Hay Scented Fern Reaches 2 feet in height at maturity Unlike many other species, Hay Scented Fern 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. Hay Scented Fern Has Unique Foliage  The small leaflets have finely serrated margins and pointy, lance-shaped tips positioned alternately along the length of the stem. The fronds provide a stunning explosion of vibrant green foliage, making a spectacular backdrop for any surrounding landscape.