Ferns that Survive the Dry
Episode: #5 21/04/07
Presenter: Phil Dudman
Ferns are an incredibly varied and beautiful group of plants that bring a certain grace to the garden. In the bush they thrive in damp shady gullies but the big question is are the moisture lovers suited to the modern water smart garden?
For example, Phil takes a look at a tree fern. Being a native, you might expect it to be quite tough but it naturally grows beside creeks where there is plenty of moisture so it is really suffering.
On the other hand, Phil takes a look at the Cup Fern (Dennstaedtia davalliodes), which is also a native and in a dry area and doing extremely well.
The fern house is full of marvellous examples of just how tough these seemingly fragile plants can be. There is a huge collection of ferns from all over the world and in most cases they are flourishing. No misting, no irrigation and just the occasional hand watering when restrictions allow.
A hardy little number known as Rasp Fern (Doodia aspera) is a species that can be found growing in forests along the east coast of Australia. The colourful new growth is a real treat and just loves it in a shaded spot.
Blechnum fern (Miniature Tree fern) is a name you may have heard and is a one of whole range of beautiful ferns that share the same genus name. They all do well in the dry so look out for them when you are at the nursery.
Choosing the right fern varieties is important in a water smart garden but there are other things you can do. Mulching is vital for keeping the soil moist. One of the big reasons the ferns are doing so well is because of the protection they get from the wonderful structure and that is what they like.
Phil is not suggesting you build something as grand, or even a small shade house but if you have a shady spot in the garden, where there is no wind, then you can still grow beautiful ferns even in dry times.
Where ever you live in Australia try to get down and visit your local Botanical gardens as often as you can because they are such a great places to learn about what you can achieve in your own backyard.
Mt Coot-tha Botanic Gardens
www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/botanicgardens
Presenter: Phil Dudman
Ferns are an incredibly varied and beautiful group of plants that bring a certain grace to the garden. In the bush they thrive in damp shady gullies but the big question is are the moisture lovers suited to the modern water smart garden?
For example, Phil takes a look at a tree fern. Being a native, you might expect it to be quite tough but it naturally grows beside creeks where there is plenty of moisture so it is really suffering.
On the other hand, Phil takes a look at the Cup Fern (Dennstaedtia davalliodes), which is also a native and in a dry area and doing extremely well.
The fern house is full of marvellous examples of just how tough these seemingly fragile plants can be. There is a huge collection of ferns from all over the world and in most cases they are flourishing. No misting, no irrigation and just the occasional hand watering when restrictions allow.
A hardy little number known as Rasp Fern (Doodia aspera) is a species that can be found growing in forests along the east coast of Australia. The colourful new growth is a real treat and just loves it in a shaded spot.
Blechnum fern (Miniature Tree fern) is a name you may have heard and is a one of whole range of beautiful ferns that share the same genus name. They all do well in the dry so look out for them when you are at the nursery.
Choosing the right fern varieties is important in a water smart garden but there are other things you can do. Mulching is vital for keeping the soil moist. One of the big reasons the ferns are doing so well is because of the protection they get from the wonderful structure and that is what they like.
Phil is not suggesting you build something as grand, or even a small shade house but if you have a shady spot in the garden, where there is no wind, then you can still grow beautiful ferns even in dry times.
Where ever you live in Australia try to get down and visit your local Botanical gardens as often as you can because they are such a great places to learn about what you can achieve in your own backyard.
Mt Coot-tha Botanic Gardens
www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/botanicgardens
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