When we moved to this new garden I inherited a few
jewels hidden here and there in the garden. Gardens that have been around for a while are like that. I didn't pay too much attention to any of them until we made the decision to make this our permanent home. Each treasure has become more highly appreciated as time and perspective
reveal its worth. Sometimes the scales of indifference, or maybe resistance is a better word in this case, have to fall off in order to clearly see the true gifts right in front of you. Clear sight is a true
gift in itself ... right!
 |
You can see the staghorn in the center of the photo (taken June 1, 2014) prior to me starting to cultivate
this area with my own design. |
The ancient (and ginormous) stag
horn fern hanging heavy and low on a 40' red maple tree is one of the treasures left here
by my former neighbor. I don't recall the exact history surrounding it, but I think it belonged to her parents or grandparents. I do vividly recall my neighbors painstakingly wrapping it with several quilts close-pinned together at the threat of every frost each winter season. Although I think this particular variety is probably hardy to around 25°F. This enormously wide specimen has begun to wrap itself around the trunk with its thick basal fronds clinging to the maple tree.
Surprisingly, this staghorn fern receives a good deal more sunshine than is generally recommended for shade-loving staghorns. A side-note tidbit about this new garden: the backyard used to be filled with pine trees, sweet gum trees and citrus trees. The former owner/neighbor had to remove most of them one by one as they got too old or in the case of pine trees were hit by lightning. It appears the fern has adapted to the changing sunlight conditions as those conditions have evolved over time.
Once I started putting my own plants in this garden I designed
around the fern (it would take a crane to move it.) The staghorn became the centerpiece
to the main pathway that leads to the back garden. It also serves as a lush tropical, welcoming marker on the left side of one of the entrances to the open fire pit seating
area. I moved some holly ferns from my old garden and a cobalt blue container planting to mark the right side of the entrance.
 |
| Upright portion of the basal frond. |
Staghorn ferns are among the group of plants called epiphytes. Meaning they thrive on nutrients from the air and rain. Surrounding plant debris and fallen leaves collect in the upright part of the basal fronds. As the collection breaks down it provides additional nourishment. In other words they are mostly self sufficient when placed in the correct environment.
 |
| The underside of the big fern at the base of the tree. |
You can see the sterile basal fronds overlapping as they attach to the tree and to each other. A beautiful and unique structure creates a bowl shape underneath.
Foliar fronds are the lobed pieces coming out of the base to create the beautiful shape and texture of these amazing wonders.
I brought two other staghorn ferns from my old garden. They are large, but not close in size to this mammoth treasure that wasn't so hidden after all.
Do you grow staghorn ferns in your garden?
****
Come hang out with me and other gardening friends for daily updates at Hoe and Shovel on Facebook... here's the link:
***
Hoe and Shovel on Facebook **
All material © 2007-2014 by Meems for Hoe and Shovel Gardening Blog. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited.
