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.
![Mister & Posy sharing my workspace.](https://d17vsf20mehj1i.cloudfront.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/01154140/IMG_9401.jpg)
![Pumpkin happy nearby, sometimes right on my feet.](https://d17vsf20mehj1i.cloudfront.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/01154139/IMG_9402.jpg)
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.
![Fern - emerges with bronze edging. ID anyone?](https://d17vsf20mehj1i.cloudfront.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/01154147/IMG_9367_fern.jpg)
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.)
![Dryopteris wallachiana transplanted from Alameda garden.](https://d17vsf20mehj1i.cloudfront.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/01154143/IMG_9399.jpg)
![Dryopteris wallachiana with thug-ish disporum, but I still love the combo.)](https://d17vsf20mehj1i.cloudfront.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/01154144/IMG_9400.jpg)
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.
![Maidenhair Fern, another transplant from old Garden. Pretty.](https://d17vsf20mehj1i.cloudfront.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/01154142/IMG_9336.jpg)
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.
![Fern NOID, about 3' tall.](https://d17vsf20mehj1i.cloudfront.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/01154142/IMG_9337.jpg)
![Fern leaf close up. NOID.](https://d17vsf20mehj1i.cloudfront.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/01154141/IMG_9339.jpg)
And then there so many other volunteers: just give me a nice rock. I can grow nicely there.
![Fern happy growing from rock.](https://d17vsf20mehj1i.cloudfront.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/01154140/IMG_9385_fern.jpg)
- Wall fern 1
- Wall fern 2
- Wall fern 3
- Mondo Grass & Fern shoulder-to-shoulder.
- Dryopteris pre-transplant from former garden.
- 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.
![Peony, not a fern, but can you blame me?](https://d17vsf20mehj1i.cloudfront.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/01154144/IMG_9364_Paeonia.jpg)
Cheers