How to make a fernery in the UK?

Creating a ferner (a garden specifically designed to grow ferns) in the UK can be a rewarding and beautiful way to bring lush greenery to your outdoor space. Ferns are ideal for British gardens due to the temperate climate, and they thrive in shady, moist areas. A fernery can be a peaceful retreat, offering a natural woodland feel. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to create a stunning fernery in your UK garden:

1. Choose the Right Location

Ferns generally prefer shady to semi-shady spots, often under trees or in areas that receive dappled sunlight. The UK’s climate is perfect for ferns, as they flourish in cooler, moist conditions. When choosing a location:

• Shade is Key: Look for areas with dappled sunlight or full shade. South-facing spots often have too much direct sun for ferns.
• Moisture Retention: Ferns require moist, well-drained soil, so choose an area that doesn't get too dry. Near a water feature, pond, or natural moisture-retaining area can be ideal.
• Protection from Wind: While ferns love moisture, they don’t like strong winds, so try to place your fernery in a protected part of your garden.

2. Prepare the Soil

Ferns thrive in rich, slightly acidic, or neutral soil. They don't like compacted soil, so it's essential to prepare the ground before planting.

• Soil Preparation: Dig over the area to loosen the soil. Add plenty of organic matter, such as compost, leaf mulch, or well-rotted manure, to improve moisture retention and nutrient levels.
• Drainage: Make sure the soil is well-drained but remains moist. If your soil tends to be heavy and clayey, mix in some sand or grit to improve drainage.

3. Select the Right Ferns

The UK is home to a wide variety of native and non-native ferns, many of which are ideal for creating a fernery. You can choose a mix of species to create interest and texture.

• Native British Ferns: These are well-suited to UK gardens and have the added benefit of being low maintenance. Some popular choices include:
  • Royal Fern (Osmunda regalis): Tall, elegant, with large fronds.
  • Lady Fern (Athyrium filix-femina): Delicate, feathery fronds in a soft green.
  • Bracken (Pteridium aquilinum): A hardy, large fern that thrives in more open, less shaded areas.
  • Hart’s Tongue Fern (Asplenium scolopendrium): Unusual, glossy fronds.
  • Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum capillus-veneris): Graceful, delicate fronds that love moist, shady spots.
• Non-Native Ferns: If you want to add some variety, you can also consider non-native ferns, which may thrive in UK gardens with the right care.
  • Japanese Painted Fern (Athyrium niponicum): Known for its striking red and silver leaves.
  • Cinnamon Fern (Osmunda cinnamomea): Unique for its cinnamon-colored spores.

4. Plan the Layout

To create a lush and natural look, plan your fernery layout carefully. Ferns often grow in clusters or drifts, mimicking their natural woodland habitat. Consider layering plants for texture and contrast.

• Layering: Plant taller ferns like Royal Fern or Tree Ferns (Dicksonia antarctica) at the back or in the center. Place smaller ferns like Maidenhair Fern at the edges.
• Ground Cover: Use groundcover ferns like the Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia) or Common Polypody (Polypodium vulgare) to fill in the gaps between larger ferns.
• Vary Heights: Ferns come in various heights and textures, so mix soft, feathery types with bold, architectural species for visual interest.

5. Watering and Moisture

Ferns are moisture-loving plants that thrive in consistently damp conditions. Keeping your fernery watered is crucial, especially in the summer months.

• Watering: Keep the soil evenly moist, but not soggy. Watering deeply once or twice a week is better than frequent, shallow watering.
• Mulching: Apply a thick layer of mulch around the base of ferns to help retain moisture and keep the soil cool. Organic mulches, such as leaf mold or bark chips, are excellent for this purpose.
• Water Features: If possible, consider adding a small pond or water feature. A pond can help maintain humidity levels in your fernery and provide a natural aesthetic.

6. Add Some Structure

While ferns are the main attraction in a fernery, adding a bit of structure can help tie everything together.

• Stone Pathways: Use stepping stones or gravel pathways to create a sense of direction through the fernery.
• Logs and Tree Stumps: Place some natural logs or tree stumps in the garden to provide seating or add interest to the area. These are great for encouraging more variety of ferns and moss to grow.
• Garden Edging: Consider using natural stone, brick, or timber to edge your fernery and separate it from the rest of your garden.

7. Encourage Moss Growth

Ferns and moss often go hand in hand. Moss adds a lush, woodland feel and can thrive in the same moist conditions as ferns.

• Mossy Ground: Encourage moss to grow by keeping the ground moist and shady. You can even collect moss from your garden or local woodland and transplant it into your fernery.
• Moss-covered Rocks: Adding moss-covered rocks or logs will increase the natural, woodland look of your fernery.

8. Care and Maintenance

Maintaining a fernery is relatively easy, as ferns are low-maintenance plants, but you will still need to ensure they stay healthy.

• Pruning: Trim dead or damaged fronds regularly to keep the plants looking neat. Most ferns will naturally shed older fronds in the winter.
• Feeding: In early spring, you can feed ferns with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer or well-rotted compost to encourage healthy growth.
• Winter Care: Most UK ferns are hardy and can withstand winter weather, but some tender ferns, such as the Tree Fern, may need extra protection. Cover them with burlap or fleece to shield them from frost.

9. Incorporate Other Shade-Loving Plants

To complement your ferns, consider adding other plants that thrive in shady conditions to create a rich, biodiverse garden.

• Hostas: Their large, glossy leaves complement the fine texture of ferns.
• Astilbes: These shade-loving perennials offer colourful flowers in summer and grow well alongside ferns.
• Epimedium: Known for its delicate flowers and attractive foliage, it can add height and texture to your fernery.

10. Optional Additions

• Fairy Lights or Solar Garden Lights: A few strategically placed fairy lights or solar lights can enhance the magical, woodland atmosphere of the fernery at night.
• Garden Art or Sculptures: A subtle garden sculpture or birdbath can create visual interest without overpowering the natural beauty of the ferns.

Conclusion

Creating a ferner in the UK can be a lovely way to transform a shady corner of your garden into a serene, lush space. By selecting the right ferns, preparing the soil, and ensuring the right environmental conditions, you can cultivate a thriving, beautiful fernery. Whether you're aiming for a natural woodland feel or a more structured fern garden, this space can add texture, interest, and year-round beauty to your outdoor space. Happy gardening! 🌿