Ferns

Ferns are very-low-maintenance landscape plants with great form and textured leaves. They need dappled or light shade, and rich, soft organic soil that is kept moist.

Maybe it's the low-growing, dense Japanese painted fern that you prefer, or the softer delicate maidenhair fern with its graceful fronds. The delicate fronds and soft texture of the northern lady fern are an indication that it is deciduous. The Christmas fern has a very leathery leaf; this type is evergreen and very good for dry shade.

Cultivating from spores can take years. The best way to propagate ferns is by dividing in early spring or late fall. Dig up as much of the root ball as possible. If you chop a single clump in half, you'll have two dead halves. Those that are multi-stemmed tend to stay together and make one big clump. Look for a "baby" that can be easily pulled away to become its own separate plant. If you notice two growing points on the parent plant, these can also be divided and become individuals. You don't need much root for a "starter."