It is important to remember that if you live in Minnesota and you order ferns from California, you will be less than thrilled when you attempt to plant them. If those plants came from a warm greenhouse, they will most likely be rather unhappy in Minnesota. They require a minimum of upkeep other than a spring tidy, if you desire, and a topdressing of their own chopped up fronds, well rotted-compost or manure. This annual mulch replaces any lost soil and keeps the rhizome of caudex cool and moist during the growing season. Ferns may be also left unclipped, allowing the fronds to deteriorate and naturally mulch themselves as they do in nature.
Most ferns prefer a loamy friable soil which is kept evenly moist during the growing season.
Please note the following abbreviations used to denote the cultural requirements on each entry. Wintergreen - I prefer to use this term for those ferns which have a spring or summer dormancy pushing up their growth late in the traditional growing season and holding green throughout the winter months. Fronds from this group usually remain quite green after they are relaxed onto the ground. Clipping the spent fronds in March or April gives them a tidier look in the garden as new growth commences. Clip spent fronds in March or April for tidier appearance in the garden.