I snapped the above photograph of ferns in a crock while at the Walker Nature Center in Reston.

Ferns are a very interesting type of plant.  Ferns have no flowers or seeds and can live up to 100 years.

Ferns date back to about 350 million years ago.  In fact, you will find fern fossils in coal forests.

Bench in Wooded Area at Walker Nature Center Decaying Log in Woods Bridge Over Creek Over Walker Nature Center

Care of Ferns

Ferns love filtered shade and grow best in moist woodsy soil.  They also prefer well-drained soil.  Some people plant them in rain gardens where the soil remains moist.

Ferns have rhizomes which stores the plant’s energy and helps the plant survive the winter months.  Rhizomes are actually a type of plant stem.  It is important the rhizomes do not freeze during the winter months.

Some plants with rhizomes are ginger, iris and bamboo.

I had trouble keeping my ferns alive since I didn’t water them enough during the summer months.  Once established, however, ferns need little care to thrive.

Ferns looks cool and peaceful in the garden and are a perfect plant to hang off a porch or to put in a large crock.

But be sure to water your ferns to keep them alive and green.

 

Ferns in a Crock

Readers:  What are you Growing in your Garden right now?