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.
Spotting the first unfurling of the ferns is always so exciting. I need to go check on some of mine!
Posted by: Barbara H. | Thursday, May 03, 2018 at 10:51 AM
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!
Posted by: Linda Brazill | Thursday, May 03, 2018 at 11:00 AM
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.
Posted by: Lisa at Greenbow | Friday, May 04, 2018 at 06:24 AM
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.
Posted by: Linda Brazill | Friday, May 04, 2018 at 07:18 AM
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!
Posted by: Peter/Outlaw | Friday, May 04, 2018 at 09:00 AM