Day 26 of my Dark Dark Days of December Challenge – the best way to combat the winter blues – connect with the nature looking at the underside of a Hart’s Tongue Fern
Hart’s Tongue Fern grew naturally in the wildlife garden
The Hart’s tongue fern I examined closely today grew naturally near the pond in my wildlife garden. It is a good addition. The fronds tend to stay green for most of the winter and provide shelter for birds and amphibians that want to visit the pond – or live near or in it. The Hart’s Tongue fern grows naturally throughout the UK. The one in my front garden probably spread for the ferns I have in our damp north facing backgarden.
Top tips for growing ferns
The Hart’s Tongue fern needs damp shady conditions. You can collect the orange spores on the underside of the fronds, into a paper envelope. This should be done on a dry day. Keep the spores dry and warm for a few days and then you can grow them in compost. Be warned these ferns do grow slowly. But when the plant has grown into a large specimen, this fern has presence throughout the gardening year.
Enjoy the tiny nature joys
Looking at the tiny spores on the back of the fern frond brought joy to me during this busy festive season. Look out for ferns growing in cracks in walls or pavements nearby if you don’t have an outside space of your own. Take a moment to appreciate the natural beauty all around including the tiny things. I am taking part in Devon Wildlife Trusts Twelve Days Of Christmas – take a look at the website