Landscaping Plans With Ferns

Survey the area where you plan to use ferns as part of the landscaping. Identify areas of shade and observe how much shade is received during the day. Look for areas that naturally hold moisture and do not drain as quickly as other areas of the garden.

Draw a plan from which to work. Include a basic shape for the landscape area that includes shade and moist areas. Use a pencil and paper to draw the plan and include as much detail as possible regarding the area to be landscaped.

Research the type of fern that will be used in the landscape. Determine if larger ferns will be used as specimens or if medium height ferns will be grouped together. Also consider using ferns that readily spread as a ground covering.

Add rocks, stumps or logs to the landscape plan. Ferns often grow naturally in and around these features. The addition of rocks and logs, for example, can help tie the plan together, provide areas of shade and hold moisture.

Investigate other plantings that work well with ferns. Look for plants that thrive in moist, shady conditions to plantings that will complement the ferns. Make sure that other plantings will not crowd out or compete too heavily for moisture and water.