Landscaping tips Ornamental grasses and hardy ferns can provide attractive solutions to difficult gardening problems. For areas that are too hot and dry, too shady, too close to streets or other sources of pollution, or, because of terrain, are virtually impossible to maintain, hardy ferns and grasses may be the answer. As an added bonus once established, ferns and ornamental grasses require very little maintenance. Ferns are among the most attractive of all foliage plants. The incredible diversity of hardy ferns virtually guarantees that every gardener can find a variety that suits his or her tastes.
Ferns are generally shade loving plants.
That means, with a few exceptions, they need full protection from the sun in the summer. They will thrive in many locations that discourage flowering plants or other ornamental foliage plants, for example, between shrubs on the north side of a house or in the deep shade of trees beside a pond. Most ferns are not threatened or endangered plants and can be gathered in the wild with permission from a land owner. Ferns should be transplanted in early spring or late fall. Many native varieties can be purchased by mailorder or through a local garden center.