Sue Olsen. Ferns | Puget Sound Gardens

Greetings – I’ve been working at assorted fern sales for 50 years now and invariably a “newbie” will comment that “ferns all look alike” (and of course they don’t). Fortunately there are many gardens in the area where you will find a variety of attractive ferns enhancing appropriate habitats… mostly from shade to partial shade but in some cases moving on to somewhat sun tolerant (and then there are the rock loving xerics but they’re a different story with their demanding unique and challenging culture).

For extensive exhibits check the international Hardy Fern Foundation’s primary display garden (including a handsome stumpery) at the Rhododendron Species Botanical Garden in Federal Way and affiliate gardens at Bainbridge Public Library, Bellevue Botanical Garden, Heronswood Garden and Lakewold Gardens. In addition the Bloedel Reserve, Kubota Garden and especially Old Goat Farm and the Elisabeth C. Miller Botanical Garden all offer attractive settings with splendid opportunities to view, enjoy and learn about these quietly lovely plants in situ.

Enjoy,

Sue Olsen