I say luscious, because as most other plants are hunkering down under the soil for winter, I have some evergreen Polypodium that look so fresh and vibrant, that they enliven my garden like no other plant. Bought from fern specialist Fibrex a number of years ago, these ferns (growing mostly in dry shade in my garden), have spread over the years to form a rich sea of green wherever planted.
At the beginning of the year, I was tempted by a Woodwardia radicans at the RHS spring show (above). It’s not completely hardy in the UK, but seems to do well in a couple of gardens I work in in London. This would certainly fill up a shady spot.
I’ve been keeping an eye on a Woodwardia in Maida Vale and nestled in a sheltered spot, this evergreen (non-native) fern has happily survived the last two difficult winters. Woodwardia is a larger fern (can grow up to 2 metres) and has bulbils on the tip of its fronds, which root into the soil when they touch the ground. I found this new plant (above) while clearing up a border for winter, so I’ve potted it up, will keep in under cover for winter and then plant out for more gorgeous lushness as the weather warms up in spring.
And although, in theory, plants in December should be on the wane, I’ve let this tender Plectranthus stay out in the garden, carefully monitoring for frosts, and have been rewarded by these gorgeous delicate flowers. It’s coming in tonight, but this delicious foliage has delighted all summer.
Out of my shed 
Ferns are always welcome in our garden. Though the Christmas fern is the only one hardy enough to remain evergreen in our winters.
Hi Julie, Had to look up the Christmas Fern, aka Polystichum acrostichoides. Looks gorgeous and rather lustrous too. Is this a fern native to the Eastern States? Naomi
I’ve had a Woodwardia (Like you potted up- not sure of the full name) outside in a pot for a few years in London and its done fine!
Really like how compact and feathery the one in your garden is.
Hi Colin, yes, I’m not too sure which Woodwardia I’ve planted up. Could make finding out a mission for this week. Glad to know yours survive the winters too. May have some spare feathery compact Polypodium if you have a shady corner to fill. Naomi
What lovely ferns. There’s something satisfying about helping a plant through winter isn’t there? It’s good to be reminded that whilst the majority of plants are hardy enough to survive whatever the weather others need a helping hand. And I love the Plectranthus, that’s new to me. I have written it on the shopping list page in my new gardening journal.
Hi Sue, I’ OK with a few plants to look after, but Colin (above) has a real passion for tree ferns see https://outofmyshed.co.uk/2011/08/04/guest-blog-semi-hardy-plants-to-try-from-cornwall/ and nurtures these all winter long.
The Plectranthus came from a Great Dixter cutting in Feb and I’ve been amazed at its growth this year.
Lime green Plectranthus zuluensis was used in a late summer bedding scheme at great Dixter to great effect-see https://outofmyshed.co.uk/2011/08/21/great-dixter-revisited-2/ -right at the end of this post. Could send you a Plectranthus cutting in spring? Naomi
I do like fernage, but until I can eat them I have no space for them at all.
Shame really, because a tasty fern would be fun.
Edible ferns-none that I know of, but maybe they exist? Could always have a glance at Miles Irving’s foraging book http://tinyurl.com/bswafoo -this is a man who would know. Naomi
I do like ferns. They’re so good for those difficult spots. I’ve got a painted fern which has beautiful purple and silver markings on it’s foliage.
Ah, Athyrium niponicum var. pictum (trips of the tongue I know), yes it’s truly gorgeous, but struggles in the rather dry shade I have in my garden.
Gosh I’ve just looked at your old post Show Time at Gt Dixter. What an amazing transformation in that bed newly planted bed and what lovely colours and textures. And how sweet to offer a cutting of the Plectranthus and yes please I’d love one if there’s a spare in spring.
Hi Sue, As long as I manage to keep the plant alive this winter, I’ll be in contact in spring with a cutting for you! V.best Naomi