Ferns, one of the oldest plant genera, should actually be an essential part of every garden due to their subtle and elegant charm. They are relatively undemanding and adaptable, making them ideal for challenging garden conditions.

Their exotically shaped, spore-bearing fronds especially adorn moist and shady locations, which can be problematic for many other plant species. For example, bog ferns can quickly cover very wet soils with lush plant carpets. This makes ferns particularly well-suited to live at the feet of trees with dense and spreading canopies.

Some fern species are evergreen and provide a special charm to otherwise barren gardens in winter. These include the Maidenhair Fern (Asplenium trichomanes), the Polypody (Polypodium vulgare), and the Shield Fern (Dryopteris affinis), which can even be used for bog beds and pond plantings.

Almost all ferns require a very loose and moist compost-rich soil, which can be covered with bark mulch or planted with ground covers. Suitable ground covers include Vinca minor (lesser periwinkle), Saxifrage (Saxifraga), as well as the Gold Strawberry or Waldsteinia, as it is also called. The beautiful and abundant flowers of the ground covers also create a lovely contrast with the various green tones of the ferns and further enhance the bed.

The only exceptions are the wall ferns. These protect themselves from excessive evaporation, allowing them to thrive even in very sunny locations. For example, the rather small-growing Wall Maidenhair Fern can adorn rock gardens, rocks, and walls.

Once ferns have successfully established themselves, you can essentially leave them to their own devices. Old, dying fronds are pushed aside by new ones, creating the foundation and fertilizer for future generations of leaves. It is important that the soil remains nice and loose, meaning the bed with the ferns should be walked on as little as possible.

Especially large species, like the Ostrich Fern, can be planted individually to allow them to stand out. Otherwise, they are very decorative when planted in small groups. Over time, many fern species form actual carpets through their rhizomes.

If this becomes an issue, you can control the growth of older, vigorous plants in spring by dividing their rhizomes.