Ferns And Freesia
Ferns And Freesia
Ferns
Ferns.--The native ferns transplant easily to the garden, and they make an attractive addition to the side of a house, or as an admixture in a hardy border. The ostrich, cinnamon, and royal ferns are the best subjects. Give all outdoor ferns a place that is protected from winds, otherwise they will shrivel and perhaps die. Screen them from the hot sun, or give them the shady side of the building. See that the soil is uniformly moist, and that it does not get too hot. Mulch with leafmold in the fall. It is not difficult to colonize many of the native ferns in shady and protected places where trees do not sap all the strength from the ground.
Probably the one fern grown most extensively as a house-plant is the small-leaved maidenhair fern (or Adiantum gracillimum). This and other species are among the finest of house plants, when sufficient moisture can be given. They make fine specimens as well as serving the purpose of greenery for cut flowers. Other species often grown for house plants are A. cuneatum and A. Capillus-Veneris. All these do well in a mixture of fibrous sod, loam, and sand, with ample drainage material. They may be divided if an increase is wanted.
Another fern for house culture is Nephrolepsis exaltata. This is no doubt the most easily grown of the list, flourishing in a sitting-room. A variety of N. exaltata, called the Boston fern, is a decided addition to this group, having a drooping habit, covering the pot and making a fine stand or bracket plant; and there are now several other forms of it suitable for the best window-gardens.
Several species of pteris, especially P. serrulata, are valuable house ferns but require a warmer place than those mentioned above. They will also thrive better in a shady or ill-lighted corner.
Perfect drainage and care in watering have more to do with the successful growing of ferns than any special mixture of soils. If the drainage material in the bottom of the pot or box is sufficient, there is little danger of overwatering; but water-logged soil is always to be avoided. Do not use clay soils. Ferns need protection from the direct sunshine, and also a moist atmosphere. They thrive well in a close glass box, or window-garden, if the conditions can be kept equable.
Freesia
Freesia.--One of the best and most easily handled tender winter-flowering bulbs; height 12 or 15 inches. The white form (Freesia refracta alba) is the best.
The white or yellowish bell-shaped flowers of freesia are produced on slender stalks just above the foliage, to the number of six to eight in a cluster. They are very fragrant, and last for a considerable time when picked. The bulbs are small, and look as though they could not produce a growth of foliage and flowers, but even the smallest mature bulb will prove satisfactory. Several bulbs should be planted together in a pot, box, or pan, in October, if wanted for the holidays, or later if wanted at Easter. The plants bloom from ten to twelve weeks from planting, under ordinary care.
No special treatment is required; keep the plants cool and moist through the growing season. The soil should contain a little sand mixed with fibrous loam, and the pot should be well drained. After flowering, gradually withhold water and the tops will die down, after which the roots may be shaken out and rested until time to plant in fall. Care should be taken to keep them perfectly dry.
The bulbs increase rapidly from offsets. Plants may also be grown from seed, which should be sown as soon as ripe, giving blooming plants the second or third year.
FernsYou have the perfect corner for a "bird-lovers garden" right outside the window. With the east-facing exposure you'll be able to grow some low, native plants with berries. · Do you need help with your yard? Upload your photo! I see you have a faucet ... Read more
The Worst Spot in Your Yard: Planting a 'bird-lovers garden' - Seattle Post IntelligencerThe New Zealand Olympic Committee named the New Zealand Tall Ferns women's Olympic basketball team on Tuesday for Beijing 2008. Captain and forward Aneka Kerr and point guard Angela Marino were both members of the team to Athens 2004 and are now key ... Read more
Tall Ferns announce Beijing squad - ONE NewsUS-raised duo Clare Bodensteiner and Jillian Harmon have been included in the Tall Ferns basketball squad for the Beijing Olympics. The pair made their New Zealand debuts in April, after only becoming aware of their eligibility at the start of the ... Read more
Two US-raised players named for Tall Ferns - Newstalk ZBFresh blackberries are now available at the Muskogee Farmers' Market. Other locally-grown items at market, beginning with the most recent arrivals include sweet corn, green pinto beans, bell and hot peppers, peaches, vine-ripe tomatoes, cucumbers ... Read more
FernsYou have the perfect corner for a "bird-lovers garden" right outside the window. With the east-facing exposure you'll be able to grow some low, native plants with berries. · Do you need help with your yard? Upload your photo! I see you have a faucet ... Read more
The Worst Spot in Your Yard: Planting a 'bird-lovers garden' - Seattle Post IntelligencerThe New Zealand Olympic Committee named the New Zealand Tall Ferns women's Olympic basketball team on Tuesday for Beijing 2008. Captain and forward Aneka Kerr and point guard Angela Marino were both members of the team to Athens 2004 and are now key ... Read more
Tall Ferns announce Beijing squad - ONE NewsUS-raised duo Clare Bodensteiner and Jillian Harmon have been included in the Tall Ferns basketball squad for the Beijing Olympics. The pair made their New Zealand debuts in April, after only becoming aware of their eligibility at the start of the ... Read more
Two US-raised players named for Tall Ferns - Newstalk ZBFresh blackberries are now available at the Muskogee Farmers' Market. Other locally-grown items at market, beginning with the most recent arrivals include sweet corn, green pinto beans, bell and hot peppers, peaches, vine-ripe tomatoes, cucumbers ... Read more
|