Ferns are one of the most useful foliage plants in any garden, modern or traditional. Victorian England developed a passion for them; avid collecting sparked the term ‘pteridomania’ and caused some ferns to become endangered in the wild. Peter’s talk begins with how this craze swept through society, and goes on to tell us about ferns for different situations in our own gardens, from moist conditions to dry shade – including tree ferns.
Peter has worked at Bowdens Nursery, in the village of Sticklepath on the northern edge of Dartmoor, since 2005. The nursery specialises in hostas and ferns, and holds a Royal Warrant to supply hostas to HRH The Prince of Wales, no less. As well as Gold Medal awards from all the major flower shows in the country, in 2013 Bowdens received its eighth consecutive Chelsea RHS Gold Medal.
September is the best month to plant herbaceous plants, including ferns and hostas. The soil will still be warm for several weeks to come, and at last we have some rain to help them get established.
Non-members are welcome at our meetings, so please join us for this fascinating talk by an expert in his field. Peter will be bringing plants for sale – don’t forget your wallet!
The Gardening Club is hosting a full schedule of interesting talks this autumn/winter. Click on this link to find out more: https://woottoncourtenayvillage.co.uk/home/clubs/gardening-club/
Marion Jay
Chairwoman, Wootton Courtenay Gardening Club
Wootton Courtenay 