Wood Ferns and Hostas
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Posted: May/08/2006 2:50 PM PST
I created a small shade flower bed this weekend with a few wood ferns and three different varieties of hosta. I put in new soil and gave them a good drink. It looks so pretty--if I do say so...  Anybody have any tips, secrets, suggestions as to how to maintain ferns and hostas. I haven't read up on them much and will do that--I just thought someone here might have some "instant knowledge" to share with me. Thanks and have a great week! |
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Posted: May/08/2006 5:19 PM PST
In my experience, there is very little maintenance except to split them when they outgrow the area. I paid very little attention to the ones I've had over the years. |
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Posted: May/29/2006 6:12 AM PST
So easy I have a very shady space right outside my door and I planted with various ferns and hostas and apart from keeping them moist they look after themselves |
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Posted: May/29/2006 1:49 PM PST
If you have good rich soil and added compost when you planted them, they'll be fine. Keep them moist! |
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Posted: Jun/11/2006 12:13 AM PST
I have done the same recenly with my hostas. I had the multiple pots under the tree where they were planted for a while to get them use to the area. I finallly planted them and things looked like they were going to be fine. Then two of the dogs I have decided to start laying in the cool fresh area as relief from our Texas heat. Of course they tore up and smashed some of the Hostas. Anyone have a suggestion on how to keep them off. I've caught them several times but I cant be there 24/7 |
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Posted: Jun/11/2006 3:03 AM PST
Stick those cheap kabob skewers that come a hundred to a pack in the area to discourage the dogs. Create another area for the dogs, with shade and shade and drought tolerant plantings for them; dogs would rather lie on plants than on the dirt. |
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Posted: Jun/11/2006 3:47 AM PST
 Sprinkle the area with cayanne pepper. It will make them sneeze and go somewhere else hopefully.
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Posted: Jun/13/2006 9:14 AM PST
Garden Girl and All, I am planting a Hosta bed now. Had not thought about the ferns. We have a wide selection of native ferns , however they become very invasive when happy. The thought of weeding them out makes me shudder. Most of them have thorns or hairy spikes. What type of fern did you use! |
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Posted: Jun/28/2006 9:48 PM PST
I divided my ferns and moved them to a new bed this spring. I amended the soil with compost and good garden soil (I bought it bagged at the home and garden center). I gave them a good drink of root stimulator when I replanted and have been feeding them Miracle Gro once a month. They have taken off and are looking better than they ever have. I also have some verigated hostas that I did the same thing to, they too are doing great...in fact all the plants are bigger than they have ever been in the past. Must be the soil amendments...and the tons of rain we get here in eastern Virginia! Good Luck. |
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Posted: Jul/03/2006 2:49 AM PST
My husband and I just planted a shade garden today as well. We planted ferns hostas, black elephant ears, caladiums, impatiens and some other perrennial that has purple flowers in late summer early fall, (I cant remember the name). We still need to mulch it, but when we do, I'll post a pic. I think it looks pretty so far if I can say so myself
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