First ferns

I am assuming most of my plants that spent the winter underground will survive. But i have been a little worried about those that were only planted last year and came from East or West Coast nurseries. So I was thrilled today when I suddenly saw this little bit of green emerging in my new garden under the apple tree. I always leave fern fronds in place for the winter. They help protect the crown of the plant and they alert me in the spring to where I should not step.

This is Polystichum retrosopaleaceum, aka Polystichum retroso paleaceum aka Narrow Tassel Fern according to some sources. It is an Asian species and wants a moist woodland soil. Since it looks like all three plants I ordered from Far Reaches Farm last year have survived, I guess I must be giving them what they want. 

Comments

[Barbara H.]

Spotting the first unfurling of the ferns is always so exciting. I need to go check on some of mine!

[Linda Brazill]

We've had rain for the last two nights but this morning was the first time I'd noticed them. Nothing like a bit of rain to make things pop. And nothing like fern fronds unfurling!

[Lisa at Greenbow]

I would agree that if a first year plant survived this awful winter they are in the right spot. It is thrilling to see a plant rise up from the dead so to speak.

[Linda Brazill]

Rise up from the dead describes it exactly. I planted a couple of things that I found versions hardy to zone 5 but I don't think they are going to reappear.

[Peter/Outlaw]

I'm so glad these survived for you. Fern fronds popping up always bring to mind the movie Alien. Something about their resemblance to the alien's head... Happy invasion!