Hah. I thought I’d pick a simple topic today. Because at least in the Pacific Northwest, it is full-on gardening season, and there is so much to do. As I run hither and yon, horrified by what I see, I periodically remind myself, these are “troubles” of my own making. I’m so lucky with my first-world problems, working from home with animals nearby and mere steps from the garden.
I need to slow the heck down, take note of the plants growing so successfully, because, it’ll never all be done and perfect. And isn’t that the point: it’s gardening.
Yesterday in that spirit, I took pause trying to note just ferns, how beautiful, adaptable, and uncomplaining. I told myself I could look and photograph and ignore the weeds. (Meanwhile, my thought bubble was saying, when you see a weed pull it.)
It also made me realize how much I have to learn. I can identify a few, primarily if they’re the kind I paid for. But those that spring from earth and stone? beats me. Meanwhile, I ordered up Ferns for American Gardens with the idea I can study in my spare time. I once bought a couple ferns in 4″ pots from a nursery out West Linn way. I have no idea what they were, but they were fabulous and grew to over 4′ tall. They were outside my kitchen window with a Sum & Substance Hosta between them, and talk about a gorgeous vignette. But do I have picture. Nooooo. And then I lost them to a big freeze. So at least I know, they were not hardy in Zone 8.
I transplanted my Maidenhair Fern from the Alameda garden, and then moved it again this spring to a shadier location in Flamingo Park. It’s happier now. I love the wistfulness of the Maidenhair.
And then there so many other volunteers: just give me a nice rock. I can grow nicely there.
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- Wall fern 1
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- Wall fern 2
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- Wall fern 3
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- Mondo Grass & Fern shoulder-to-shoulder.
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- Dryopteris pre-transplant from former garden.
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- Fern Grotto at Alameda garden. RIP.
I’d sure love to hear about some your favorites. Because, boy, what I’ve got to learn is a lot.
Cheers