Today has been an exciting day for me. Why? - Well, I absolutely love ferns and I had been given the opportunity to customise an existing fernery that I had recently taken under my wing.
The fernery is situated on the track to the rear of Rosemoor House, and can be reached from either end of the Exotic Garden.
It is a real picture; the main focal point at this time of the year is around a collection of rhododendrons on a raised bank that is supported by a stone wall. The root plate of the rhododendrons is very ornate, and to my mind resembles that of a Japanese Bonsai, only much bigger. Overlaying these roots is a beautiful and very tactile covering of emerald green moss that invites you to give it a quick stroke (when no-one is looking!).
The shrubs are very tall and give the impression of being enclosed in a woodland setting. The root plate is structurally very interesting and my plan is to enhance this with the addition of some recycled tree stumps. I have taken my inspiration from natural woodland areas and am really just trying to recreate the same effect in a way that is subtle, yet surprising enough to catch people’s eye.
Trimming existing ferns in readiness for the stumps
We collected the stumps from our own woodlands, concentrating particularly on the area where the New Learning Centre will be built later this year. This area is destined to be cleared anyway so we decided to rescue what we could and make good use of our finds. Generally though, dead wood is best left where it is, as it provides a wonderful environment for the wildlife and fungi that thrive in such natural habitats. Our stumps are the remains of heartwood of trees felled long ago, and they have decomposed into some quirky and interesting shapes that we will be able to use architecturally.
The team put a fair amount of effort (the stumps are not only heavy, but also very slippery) into arranging them on the lower and raised borders of the fernery. One stump or two? .. maybe three? It really was a case of trying the stumps in different positions to see how they best complemented each other and the surrounding area.
Moving the stumps is a team effort
Once we were happy with their positioning we excavated the soil to sink them in, to give the impression that they had always been there. This will also ensure that the stumps are stable and not likely to roll over.
Settling the stumps into their new home
We raised some of the very flat areas of the lower borders by placing a mixture of soil and leaf mould behind and around the stumps to give more interesting levels and ‘planting pockets’. The resulting crevices around and beneath the stumps will be ideal spots in which to plant some interesting, choice ferns.
Positioning a stump on the lower border
There are already many original ferns in the area, and I plan to enhance these wonderful foliage plants with some new additions in the spring. It really will make a splendid picture when the ferns unfurl their fresh new, tightly furled fronds (crosiers). I hope the area may inspire gardeners to try something similar at home and transform any dark little corners with these wonderful plants. Be sure to try and visit this hidden gem and get some ideas!
As a bonus, I think area’s resident toad will be delighted with all his new nooks and crannies.
Penny King, Lady Anne’s Garden.