Is there anything more elegant in the garden than a fern gently swaying in the breeze? But not only do they look delightful, ferns are so resilient they will thrive in just about any conditions. If you want to add some stylish evergreen colour to your garden a handy fern or two is the answer.

It has to be said that in the world of garden design, few plants offer the unique combination of beauty and resilience that hardy ferns do. They are survivors but also so much more.

The Appeal of Hardy Ferns

So, they look nice and even ham-fisted gardeners like me who are blessed with green thumbs are able to grow and nurture a fern quite easily. What’s not to like? But let’s look at ferns, at least the hardy variety, in a little more depth. As befits their exalted position on the gardening hierarchy of desirable and versatile plants. Just what is it that makes them so attractive and why should you immediately click here to see all the ferns we have for sale in the Direct Plants nursery?

Look Good and so Versatile

Hardy varieties of ferns are…very hardy. But they are also versatile in that the adventurous gardener can use them in different ways. Use them in the border, as a delicate groundcover, or as dramatic accent plants. Carefully cultivate and maintain them or leave them to their own devices to add a touch of untamed beauty to your garden. The sheer variety of ferns in terms of size, shape, and colour means you can deploy them in so many different ways. And, in winter, when other plants retreat, hardy ferns stand firm, their green fronds offering a vibrant contrast to an otherwise dormant and lifeless garden.

Resilience

The clues in the name of course. Hardy ferns are exactly that. They are resilient and adaptable. In other words, they’ll overcome just about anything. Which is good news for us as the UK climate is ever so slightly unpredictable. And not all of us are blessed with the best soil and growing conditions in our gardens. Harsh winter? Rainy summer? Windy autumn? No problem for our hardy ferns. They’ll still be thriving and looking good no matter what the weather. Ferns will thrive in challenging conditions. This makes them ideal for those tricky spots like shady areas which are never bathed in sunlight. There aren’t many places in the garden where you won’t be able to plant a fern and see it flourish.

Low Maintenance, High Reward

This resilience brings another benefit for gardeners: low maintenance. And that, in my book, is always a good thing. Once established you don’t have to spend much time looking after your fern as it will only need basic care for it to thrive. All of which make them a great choice for those of us wanting an attractive but manageable outdoor space. The ferns' natural durability and self-sufficiency not only saves us time and effort but also cuts down on the need to use chemical fertilisers and pesticides. So, a little bit of an eco-boost there too. Speaking of which.

Doing Your Bit

Like all plants, hardy ferns make a contribution to the ecosystem in your garden. They’ll help improve the health of the soil, retain moisture, and provide habitat and food for a variety of wildlife, including insects, birds, and even the occasional small mammal. And, they also provide a living connection to the past. Ferns are ancient plants and including them in modern gardens is a nice reminder of our natural world.

You Need a Hardy Fern in Your Garden

You can’t go wrong with a fern. As we’ve discussed they look wonderful, provide evergreen colour, are easy to plant and maintain, and can be used in different areas of the garden including the border, shady corners, and even up front and central as an accent plant.

Here are Direct Plants we’re big fans of ferns and always have plants available in our nursery. Take a look at all the plants we have on offer today and pick the perfect fern for your garden. Our expert and experienced team will then pick and pack your plant ensuring it arrives at your door healthy, fresh, and ready for planting.