I came upon this unplanned arrangement this morning in the Northwest Territory. These little Western Sword Ferns (Polystichum munitum) sprouted here below the Salal (Gaultheria shallon) with no direction or assistance from the resident gardeners. How did they manage to locate themselves so perfectly?
It's an indication of our fruitful Pacific Northwest conditions that, even with the current heat and lack of rain, these ferns happily seed and thrive. And although some local gardeners might consider them almost a weed, we are delighted to let them naturalize in their created habitat.
I'm joining my friend Anna at Flutter and Hum for Wednesday Vignette. See what she has posted for today here.
It's an indication of our fruitful Pacific Northwest conditions that, even with the current heat and lack of rain, these ferns happily seed and thrive. And although some local gardeners might consider them almost a weed, we are delighted to let them naturalize in their created habitat.
I'm joining my friend Anna at Flutter and Hum for Wednesday Vignette. See what she has posted for today here.
Thanks Jane - I'm with you! Sword ferns are some of the most under-appreciated plants around, and I don't understand why! To me, they are total rockstars! They are adorable when they are small, and stately and elegant when they mature. They are welcome anywhere in my garden. :)
ReplyDeleteI love our native sword ferns too, they're great versatile plants. Yours have sprouted in such a perfect spot.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful!
ReplyDeleteI loved seeing ferns everywhere when I visited the PNW last year. I'm ferning up my garden this year, and hope to have large areas where they thrive. To be able to say someday "I need to do something about all of these pesky ferns!" is a dream of mine. :)
I love sword ferns! Great eye Jane, a perfect vignette. Nature has a way of making things perfect.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great little spot. Love it.
ReplyDeleteI have loved those smooth rocks in the NW territory from the start. They are the perfect foil for the fern.
ReplyDeleteSometimes the plants seem to know what would look just perfect.
ReplyDeleteI'll say that's the place to grow those plants...perfect reseeding location (some just are not good...against sidewalks, etc). And the way it grows from the gap in boulders, then the gravel in front...you;re talking my lingo.
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