The Santa System Ferns are much more than green filler for the shade garden. While ferns fill both of those roles very well, they are entitled to stand alone with specimen status.
Ferns are great architecture.
Depending upon the species selected, they can add a sense of structure by weaving and tying together trees, shrubs and other perennials into a connected garden. Ferns may be tall and upright, vase-shaped, short spreading carpets or miniature clumps on a moss covered rock. Some ferns are coarse in texture with large leaves, while others have finely cut leaves giving a delicate lacy appearance. Still others are covered in tiny hairs giving them a soft downy look and feel. Green is a Color Green is a color and ferns best illustrate all the many hues of green possible in a perennial.