@GardenerSuze the two ferns I got arrived with some dead brown leaves which are there now, so I will remove them as you say at end of April. I will be very careful not to damage any new growth. It's so helpful to know, as this will be the first time doing this for me, and what a pity if I inadvertently damaged the tiny fernlets.
I'm giving the ferns a dose of water when I water the epimediums.
@Pink678 You can do a fern garden if that is what you prefer. I am am sure you had a good look at the ferns grouped at the Garden Centre this will give you a good idea if it is to your taste. Being able to visualise a planting scheme can be daunting but with continuous practice and some mistakes along the way you will get there over time. I am inspired by your interest and approach to what is one of the most challenging areas of a garden.
I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
@GardenerSuze Yes I did quite the inspection of the ferns there! It was useful to see all the plants in person. It makes it easier to visualise things, compared to seeing plants onscreen when I research them.
One thing that may not be obvious from a garden centre visit is how large some ferns can grow. I have wild ferns that self-seed all over my garden, a couple of different Dryopteris I think, and the mature plants can easily reach the best part of a metre in height and width. It doesn't take many of those to fill a bed! Some of my cultivated ferns are much better behaved, as is the smaller wild Asplenium, and there are others that have a more upright growth habit, leaving space beneath.
Something else for you to check out, but the good news is that ferns don't object too much to being moved as long as conditions are right
Posts
I am inspired by your interest and approach to what is one of the most challenging areas of a garden.