Using Ferns to Add Color and Texture to Your Landscape

Up until a couple of weeks ago, I'd never given ferns much thought. I see hundreds of them every day, winding along our driveway--a half a mile through woods and over dry creek beds--standing to wave, as if bidding us goodbye then welcoming us home again. On a rare traipse through the woods early this summer, I was amazed at the sheer volume of ferns growing on the hillsides. Some jungle-like at five feet tall, they seemed to spread in areas where no other plant wanted to grow. It made me realize that if you have a pesky shaded area in your yard that seemingly nothing else will survive in (like at the base of large shade trees), ferns may be just what you need. Requiring very little upkeep, most are perennial and, if the conditions are right, will spread fast and furious. Here are a few of the hardy ones here in southern Indiana.

Christmas Ferns: So named because they stay green through the winter, these ferns are found in wooded areas and along creek beds. They prefer shade, but will grow fine in sunlight as long as you keep the soil moist. They grow in a clump of dark green fronds that are two to three feet tall, with more fronds being added each spring. Because of their hardiness and their ability to add color to a bleak winter, they are great for both landscaping and as an indoor hanging plant in southern Indiana.

Cinnamon Ferns: With graceful fronds growing up to six feet tall and a foot wide, these large, beautiful ferns are a dramatic addition to any landscape. The ferns grow in large clumps in wooded areas and along creek banks, and are named for the cinnamon-colored spore fronds that grow in the center of the clump. They prefer shade but, like Christmas ferns, can be grown in full sun as long as the soil is moist.

Uncrested Lady Ferns: This is another very hardy fern in southern Indiana. Popular for hanging baskets or pots, these ferns are also a great option for landscaping. Growing from a central clump, their bright green, lacy fronds grow to three feet tall. They can grow in any type of lighting if the moisture is right, and are tolerant of both humid heat and harsh cold (perfect for Indiana's crazy seasons).

These are just a few of the numerous options when it comes to ferns. Plant them in large groups as a backdrop for other perennials or individually in a pot as a focal point for your garden. Either method is sure to be the perfect solution for adding color and texture to even the pickiest of landscapes.