Ferns are among the most ancient and diverse vascular plants on the planet, having first evolved during the Devonian geologic time period, over 400 million years ago. We often think of these fascinating specimens thriving in the shade of woodlands and swampy areas, water banks and streams. Though ferns are plentiful in the wild, they also make a fantastic landscape plant as they are easy to grow, long-lived, and once established, require little to zero care! Having trouble maintaining a healthy-looking lawn in some of the more shady areas of your landscape? Ferns serve as a great groundcover where turf may struggle to grow. Have a rain garden or an area of soggy ground? Ferns will love the loamy, moist soils that these areas have to offer. Pair them with other shade-loving plants such as Hostas, Astilbes, Dicentras and Caladiums for additional texture and interest.
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