Table of Contents
- Habitat and Cultivation
- Alternative Plants to Consider
- Recommended Companion Plants
- A Fabulous Planting for Wet Soils: Candelabra Primrose and Fern
- A Long-Lasting Summer Garden Idea with Marigold and Sage
- A Casual Border with Poppies, Tickseed and Mullein
- A Spectacular Spring Border Idea with Tulip ‘Heart’s Delight’ & Crocus ‘Remembrance’
- A Pretty Spring Border Idea with Tulips and Bleeding Hearts
- Western Sword Fern The Wood Fern Family–Dryopteridaceae
Habitat and Cultivation
Gardening for beginners can be a bit overwhelming. Fortunately, there are some basic rules that will help you create a successful landscape that is both beautiful and healthy. First, you must consider the specific habitat of the plants you’d like to include in your garden. Knowing the plants’ specific temperature, light, and soil requirements will help you choose the right plants for your landscape. You should also think about the nature of the area in which you live and the climate conditions in which you garden, as this will determine what kinds of plants you can successfully cultivate.
Alternative Plants to Consider
For those just starting out, it’s a good idea to select plants that are easy to manage. These can include hearty perennials that will come back year after year, low-maintenance native plants, and easy-care edible varieties. Hardy evergreen shrubs, such as boxwood and junipers, are also great choices for beginning gardeners. Keeping in mind that not all plants will thrive in every climate, so it’s important to research the specific needs of each variety you’re considering.
Recommended Companion Plants
When done well, companion planting can greatly benefit your garden. This involves selecting plants that will complement each other in terms of their size, shape, color, and flower and foliage type. For example, marigolds are known for being companion plants to vegetables as they aid in protecting against pests. Similarly, taller plants, such as daisies, can be used to create sheltered microclimates for more delicate ornamentals.
A Fabulous Planting for Wet Soils: Candelabra Primrose and Fern
For those with a wet landscape, creating a successful planting scheme can be difficult. Candelabra primroses are ideal for damp soils as their bright yellow blooms and lush foliage truly stand out. You should definitely consider teaming them with western sword ferns, the stunning family of the wood fern. This duo will create a stunning display in your garden. For best results, choose plants with different-colored flowers and foliage so that everything stands out.
A Long-Lasting Summer Garden Idea with Marigold and Sage
For a lush garden that will last you all summer long, consider incorporating marigold and sage into your landscape. Marigold is known for being low-maintenance and easy-care while its vibrant orange, pink, and yellow blooms brighten up any garden. To accompany this, plant salvia, also known as sage. This fragrant herb makes a great companion plant for many vegetables and provides a stunning backdrop for practically any garden.
A Casual Border with Poppies, Tickseed and Mullein
If you’re looking for an easy way to give an outdoor space a cheerful look, try lining the edges with a mixture of papery poppies, deep purple-blue tickseed, and tall mullein. This combination will add bursts of color and texture, making it an ideal way to spruce up a casual garden. Just make sure to plant them in well-drained soil to keep their roots from becoming waterlogged.
A Spectacular Spring Border Idea with Tulip ‘Heart’s Delight’ & Crocus ‘Remembrance’
For a stunning spring planting idea, consider filling your garden border with a combination of heart-shaped tulips and cheerful crocus. Tulip ‘Heart’s Delight’ and crocus ‘Remembrance’ look especially lovely when planted together, creating a colorful display that will complement nearly any garden. Keep in mind that tulips need well-drained soil and plenty of sunlight to thrive.
A Pretty Spring Border Idea with Tulips and Bleeding Hearts
If you’re looking for a beautiful spring border idea, why not try mixing together tulips and bleeding hearts in your outdoor space? These two plants work well together to create a stunning display, with the tulips providing the height and the colorful blooms of the bleeding hearts adding a bit of whimsy to the mix. For best results, plant them in moist and well-drained soils.
Western Sword Fern – The Wood Fern Family–Dryopteridaceae
The Western Sword Fern, which belongs to the wood fern family–Dryopteridaceae–is an ideal choice for anyone who has a wet landscape. These plants thrive in moist and shady locations, providing a lush backdrop to any garden. Their leathery,
FAQs
What type of environment is best for the sword fern?
The sword fern is a low-maintenance, resilient plant that does best in humid, moist environments. It prefers indirect light and should be potted in a slightly acidic potting mix with good drainage. This fern is able to tolerate some shade and drought, so it is fairly adaptable and can grow well indoors and outdoors in many different settings.
How often should I water my sword fern?
The sword fern should generally be watered deeply every 7-10 days. Water needs will vary depending on factors such as light conditions, temperature and humidity. In general, the soil should be allowed to dry out slightly between waterings. During periods of high temperatures, try to water the fern more regularly and mist it daily to help increase humidity.
Can sword ferns be propagated?
Yes, sword ferns can be easily propagated through division. The best time to propagate the fern is during its active growing season in spring. Gently remove your fern from the pot, divide the rootball in half (or into two or more pieces if desired) and replant the pieces. The sword fern will soon begin to produce new growth.
Are sword ferns toxic?
Sword ferns are generally considered non-toxic to cats, dogs, and other animals, making them safe for households with pets.
What are the signs of an unhealthy sword fern?
An unhealthy sword fern can have yellowing leaves, dry/brown edges, or wilting. Poor growth could be caused by too little light, too much irrigation, or not enough humidity. Inadequate drainage or over fertilization can also cause the fern to become unhealthy. Monitor your fern for signs of insect pests or disease, as these can also be a problem. Remedies vary depending on the problem, but properly adjusting the environment is typically the best solution for an unhealthy fern.