Symphony of Ferns

In my overly shaded back garden I have a collection of ferns. I learned to appreciate ferns when I moved here 15 years ago because I had mostly shade in my back garden. There are ferns that tolerate lots of sun but I most appreciate their ability to thrive in shade and once established they aren't too fussy about moisture. I have several pots of ferns that I have to bring in during the winter. To me they are worth the effort. Most I don't know the names of like the one above. It is a smallish fern but it grows well.
Below is Staghorn Fern. I have had it about 3 years now. It is growing alright but I think it struggles during winter when it is so dry in the house. It will be happier when I place it outside for the summer. It is getting a good drink of rain today.

The fern below is a healthy grower in a container. It has big leaves and has little feet that are thick and strong. Little plantlets start growing on these feet and I am sure in the wild it is how it spreads. I wish I knew what kind it is, if anyone knows please tell me.

This fuzzy footed fellow is a Rabbits foot fern. I just love its fuzzy little feet. It is another that I keep in a pot so I can bring it in during winter to protect it from frosts and freezes. I put a piece of it on a log last year and it grew well but of course it couldn't withstand the winter.

The hardy ferns are performing a concert. Their fiddles are all heading for the great blue skies. I think the fiddleheads are as interesting as the fronds. Like this Japanese Painted Fern 'Ghost' has very dark fiddleheads before the foliage turns its ghostly white. It is odd but this is the only variety of Japanese Painted fern that I can get to grow in my garden. I have tried several to no avail.

The Sensitive Fern is a native fern of our area. A start was given to me several years ago by a neighbor that was a great native plantsman. Not only does this fern look delicate but it is the toughest you can get once established. It doesn't mind to cross over into the path where the rocks give it a headstart on spring. The Tatting fern give us such sweet fiddleheads. It is an unusual looking fern and is typically very addaptive to a little more sun than some others.

My most prolific and most forgiving fern is the Ostrich fern. It was here when I moved in and it has not stopped spreading since. I have given away probably an acre worth of these hardy ferns and they keep on growing. I would say that if you have an impossibly shady, dry or wet area this fern is for you. In dry areas you must water to get it established but once there it will be a happy camper.

Last but not least is the Autumn Fern. It has the most interesting fiddleheads to me. They are so dark. I guess they are just warning you that the leaves of these ferns are going to be an unusual color too. This fern is a must for Gardeners that loves ferns. It will delight you with colorful fronds that go from rusty gold to dark green as it ages. I missed getting pictures of the Christmas Fern, Lady Fern and Male Fern. They are also great ferns for shady areas. Has the fern bug bitten you? What are your favorite ferns?