Ferns

Hardy ferns are beautiful as decorative accents in the garden, especially in shady and moist areas.  They are hardy, as evidenced by the fact that fossils have been found to prove they existed over three hundred and sixty million ago.  Large leafy fronds come in a variety of shapes and textures, depending on the species.  Once a fern finds its niche – where growing conditions are optimal – it will thrive for years.  Though ferns do not flower, they do reproduce through spores and runners, and many varieties form clumps to multiply in number.  Most are slow-growing and require minimal care.