Need Ideas for Shade Garden

ninnymary

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Ok, I look into ferns but most are too short. They're evergreen right?

Nyboy, I've used copper strips and they didn't seem to work.

Mary
 

Nyboy

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Mary there are ferns 5 feet tall, I think you have 1 type of fern in your head ( florist use in arrangements ) There are many different size shape and colors in ferns.
 

ninnymary

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Mary there are ferns 5 feet tall, I think you have 1 type of fern in your head ( florist use in arrangements ) There are many different size shape and colors in ferns.
You are exactly right, in fact that's the only fern I've growned. I will definitely look into them. Maybe I'll go to that nice pricey nursery with master gardeners to see what they have. I'll also show them a picture of the space.

Mary
 

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Mount-Edgcumbe-Fern-Dell.jpg
Sword-Fern2.jpg
 

thistlebloom

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I just put some European Ostrich fern into that planter bench for a client. They get up to 5 feet tall! I placed them to block the neighbors view into the patio.

Then there's Maidenhair fern with it's black stems and delicate fronds.
adiantum-aleuticum-rp-embg-05-2011-4445-gpp.JPG


And Autumn Fern with it's reddish orange new growth.

dryopteris-erythrosora-ras-06-2009-012.jpg


Soft Shield fern -
polystichum-setiferum-divisilobum-group-aberglasney-ras-08-2013-01-gpp1.jpg


Japanese Tassel fern-
polystichum-polyblepharum-ras-04-2009-01-gpp.jpg




Large Leaf Holly fern- different texture!
cyrtomium-macrophyllum-joycreek-ras-08-2008-gpp.jpg


You definitely need a grouping, not just one. Mix in some variegated Solomons Seal (I can send you some) and maybe a couple of heuchera (Lime Ricky would really brighten up the shade), and it will be beauteous!
 

ninnymary

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I've written all your recommendations and will be going to that fancy nursery this Saturday. Their website says they have a "fern department" jeeze o_O. Glad my husband is working so that he won't be with me rushing me. haha

The space is where those floppy calla lilies are to the right of that church birdhouse. It's not a very large area. I would say 5ft long and 3ft deep. I try not to plant all the way back to the bamboo because that bamboo is always dropping leaves and gets messy.

How many ferns/plants do you think I'll need?

Mary
 

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