How to Divide Ferns

 

It’s October.  Technically its late October, but here in Orem, UT it doesn’t feel like it.  But that’s life along the Wasatch mountain range.  We can have snow as early as September or we can freeze our tomato starts in June.  This fall has been perfect.  The leaves have taken their time changing, and I’ve only had to wear my jacket at three afternoon sophemore football games.  Perfect.

Aside from the weather allowing me to be a stalwart high school football fan, its permitted me to be continue my work in the garden.  The climate has been perfect for dividing and transplanting perennials, and I’ve tried to take advantage of every brisk afternoon to do just that.  This past weekend I was lucky enough to be the recipient of some hand me down ferns.  I love ferns {you can read about some of my favorite varieties here} but I don’t have a lot of suitable space for them.  Our 1940’s home had nary a tree on the lot when we moved here in March, so shade is hard to come by.  But when asked by and old neighbor if I’d like a bunch of Lady Ferns from her garden I couldn’t say no, and I became determined to find a place for them.

At high noon I went wandering in the back yard, figuring that if I could find somewhere with some shade at straight up 12:00 I’d be set to go.  This is what I found:

A lonely south-western corner of the yard home to nothing but a Diablo ninebark and a very small Russian sage start.  With shade in the middle of the day, and promise of protection from the hot afternoon sun I knew I found the perfect spot to park my fern transplants until I started to get some shade from my newly planted weeping willow and crab apples.

 I took all of my lovely fern starts and planted them just below the soil surface.  After planting I sprinkled a little root starting fertilizer before a thorough watering.  I’m planning on keeping this bed moist until my plants are established a little bit.  I’m looking forward to bunches of feathery fronds come next spring!