COLOURS AND SHAPES of the garden fern
There are as many as 12,000 different species of fern. The leaves come in varieties ranging from bright to dark green and from bronze to red. Ferns are easy to grow and handle and make excellent shade plants, so they are often planted in places that receive relatively little sunlight. Many of their species are evergreen (think the tongue fern, iron fern, oak fern and kidney fern). Popular types include the Boston fern, known for its bushiness and hardiness, and the Blue Star fern, with its attractive green-grey leaves and air-purifying qualities.
how to care for a garden fern plant
- The fern does not like direct sunlight, preferring to live in a shady spot. This makes it the ideal plant for a north-facing garden, or a garden which doesn't get much sun.
- Keep your fern out of the wind so that you can enjoy its enchanting leaves for as long as possible.
- Its green leaves need a lot of water, especially in summer. Make sure the soil stays moist and that the plant doesn't dry out.
- Don't pour water directly over the leaves of the plant - the fern doesn't enjoy this. Instead, water the ground under the leaves, soaking it thoroughly.
ORIGIN of the garden fern
Ferns are native to subtropical regions with high humidity, such as East Asia. Historically, the fern has a special history: from an aquatic plant, it turned into a land plant in prehistoric times. Ferns are so old that they can be found in 400-million-year-old fossils.
symbolism of the garden fern
Ferns used to be considered powerful, mystical plants. They were sold by traders because they were said to make you invisible, stronger or rich. Ferns also made a name for themselves as protection against the devil. Moreover, they were used in many ways as medicinal plants. Therefore, they symbolise the mysterious and are a sign of protection, love and inspiration.
