Ferns: Ancient Herbs for Modern Gardens
by James Kambos 
It’s an afternoon in late May. I’ve been working in my herb and perennial gardens most of the day, readying them for summer. A storm is building, the sky darkens, and thunder rumbles. I begin to hurry as I gather my tools and head back to the shed. On the way I pause a moment to admire my old red peony. Its stems bend down beneath the weight of its large ruffled flowers. Worried that the approaching rain will ruin the flowers, I quickly cut a bouquet to enjoy indoors.
The rain begins. But I suddenly remember—no peony bouquet is complete without some elegant fern foliage to lend its old-fashioned charm. Ignoring the rain, I rush around the herb garden cutting several fern fronds.
Once inside, I arrange the peonies and fern stems in a vintage vase and place it on an entry hall table. Admiring the simple beauty of the ferns and the elegance they add to such an ordinary floral arrangement makes me pause. I begin to think about the ferns. My mind wanders as I think about the charm, mystery, and lore of this ancient herb, as well as its place in the modern herb garden.
Fern History and Lore
Ferns are one of the most ancient herbs on earth. Before the dinosaurs walked the earth, and before humans arrived on the scene, the ferns were here. And they were already ancient. Most experts agree that even before many mountain chains were formed, the ferns were growing. Ferns seem to have appeared 300 to 365 million years ago. Fossilized ferns also show us that the shape and appearance of most ferns have remained virtually unchanged for eons. Ferns pre-date all flower and seed-producing plants.
As an herb, ferns were once used to treat tapeworms. However, finding the correct dosage was difficult. Too little was ineffective, and too much could cause serious side effects. For these reasons, I don’t encourage ingesting ferns. Instead, enjoy ferns for the landscape value they’ll add to your herb and perennial gardens.
In magical lore, ferns were used to draw good luck, health, and wealth, which is why they were planted near an entrance or kept as a houseplant. Used in a bouquet, ferns symbolize wealth and safe shelter. Ancient magicians were drawn to ferns. They didn’t yet understand that ferns reproduced by a system of spores. Since ferns didn’t produce flowers or seeds but still multiplied, early magicians thought that ferns held great magic. They believed that whoever discovered the fern’s secret of reproduction would possess enormous magical power.
To this day these ancient plants go about their life cycle in a quiet manner. They may not dazzle the eye with bright flowers, they don’t need to. These elders of the plant kingdom are remarkable in other ways. They seem to be almost sentient. Although frequently found growing along streams and in the sheltered, shady margins of the forest, ferns are tough and resilient. They’ve practically witnessed the creation of our planet. They were here when the earth convulsed and the mountains rose. They witnessed the rise and extinction of great species such as dinosaurs. They’ve seen empires rise and fall.
Like shamans, in their quiet, subtle way, ferns seem to possess the wisdom and secrets of the ages.
Growing and Planting Ferns
For the purpose of this article, I am writing about hardy ferns only. Hardy ferns are ferns that have root systems that can tolerate deep cold. These are ferns that, once planted outside, will come back year after year. During the winter, only their foliage will die back. Then in the early spring, new small fronds (leafy stems) will appear. These small curled leaves and stems are called fiddleheads. Since ferns return each year, they are classified as a perennial.
The ferns you find in hanging baskets at garden centers each spring are not hardy. They are meant for outdoor use during the warm months only. They’ll begin to die completely beginning with the first hard frost. They’re lovely to use on a porch during the summer, but don’t confuse them with hardy ferns, which are meant for garden use.
Since ferns have been around for millions of years, you can be sure that ferns are one of the easiest plants to grow. I have ferns in my herb garden that are over twenty years old. They return each year more beautiful than ever. Once planted, ferns will give you years of carefree beauty.
When planting ferns, the main considerations should be light, moisture, and soil type. Let’s start with light.
Ferns are one of the few herbs that grow in shade. Most ferns require sheltered, shady areas to do their best. However, many ferns also do well in sun-dappled areas, in partial shade, and in areas with some morning sun. When in doubt, remember the warmer your climate, the more shade your ferns will require. In my Ohio garden I have ferns growing in locations that face east, west, and north. The south-facing section of my garden is too hot and dry for ferns.
As far as moisture needs, ferns usually require a moisture-retentive soil. This doesn’t mean soggy. It means that the soil feels slightly cool and damp to the touch, even in warm weather. Once established, ferns usually don’t need to be watered. The only time I’ve watered my ferns is during long hot, dry spells.
The soil requirements for ferns can be summed up in one word: organic. Ferns need a well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Since ferns grow wild in forested areas, I try to duplicate the woodland soil. To do this, I work compost, pine bark, peat moss, and bags of rich top-soil into the garden soil. Don’t plant ferns in heavy clay soil unless you amend it first with organic matter. Here’s another tip: I never use chemical fertilizers on ferns. Enriching the soil with organic matter should be enough.
Once the soil is prepared, you’ll be ready to purchase and plant your ferns. Ferns usually come in pots. The pot sizes can be four inches, one quart, or one gallon in size. Potted ferns can range in price from six to fifteen dollars, depending on size and variety. Some retailers sell bare-root ferns. These will probably come packed in a plastic bag with peat moss. Bare-root ferns can average six to eight dollars each.
To plant a potted fern, dig a hole two to three inches deeper and wider than the pot. Add water to the hole. Gently remove the fern, with the soil intact, from the pot. Place into the hole and water again. After the water is absorbed, begin to firm the garden soil around the base of the fern. Once in place, mulch around the fern with organic material. Water again.
To protect ferns during the winter, don’t cut back the dead foliage. Remove the dead growth in the spring when the fiddleheads appear.
When planting a bare-root fern, dig a hole slightly deeper and wider than the roots. Mound some soil in the bottom of the hole. Spread the roots over the mounded soil. Water well. When the water is absorbed, fill the hole with soil. Press the soil firmly around the plant crown (the part where the stems meet the roots) until the fern is in place. The top of the crown should be visible. Mulch with organic matter and water well.
Water newly planted ferns two to three times a week the first month.
Some Ferns to Try
There is a large variety of ferns available for you to grow in your herb garden. Here are several of my favorites that I’ve enjoyed for years. If possible, plant in groups of two or three for a lush effect.
Autumn Fern (Dryopteris erythrosora): This beautiful, slow-growing fern gets its name due to the bronze/coppery color of its fronds when they emerge in the spring. Later the foliage turns green. The foliage has a slightly glossy sheen. Reaches 18 to 24 inches high and wide.
Christmas Fern (Polystichum acrostichoides): Unlike most ferns, this fern is evergreen. It’s fun to see the green fronds surrounded by snow. It grows about 2 feet high and wide. I cut back the old growth in early spring.
Japanese Painted Fern (Athyrium niponicum): These beautiful ferns will light up a shady nook of your herb garden with their silvery foliage. The fronds are streaked with blue-green and burgundy. The stems, which are an attractive burgundy, add more interest. They grow 1 to 2 feet tall and wide. These are a nice change from the usual green ferns.
Lady Ferns (Athyrium filix-femina): These grow in shade, or with morning sun. They grow 2 to 3 feet high and wide. Stunning when planted around garden statuary.
Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum): Plant this airy, delicate fern at the edge of the garden. With striking black stems, it grows to 1 foot.
Combined with other shade-loving plants, ferns will give you years of carefree beauty. This noble, ancient herb deserves a place in today’s gardens.