The Hart’s Tongue fern is a quite distinct form of fern, in that it has broad, strap-like fronds, quite unlike the delicately cut types of more familiar varieties. They have a short stem and can grow to any length from 4 to 24in (10 to 60cm) depending on where you plant them. The shorter ones are usually found growing in walls or crevices. They are also known under the name Phyllitis scolopendrium.

The leather-like, bright green fronds make this a good foliage plant. It is a woodland plant and will always look good in a shady position, especially on banks, walls, or fallen trees. It is a British native plant and can often be seen growing under hedges or outcrops of rock. There are several varieties that have either wavy or crimped edges to their fronds, while others have a crested tuft at the top of the blade.

In spring, young plants can be planted out and if you want to plant them as a group, set them about 12in (30cm) apart. When the fronds first unfurl, they are covered with glistening white scales. These will turn brown and disappear as the fronds age. These are extremely hardy ferns and will grow in most climatic conditions, except where it is very hot and dry. They need very little attention apart from the tidying up of any dead leaves.

Growing Requirements

Soil
These plants are very accommodating and they will grow in either acid or chalky soils and will tolerate fairly dry conditions, but they are most at home in a moist, humus-rich, woodland type of soil.

Size
Asplenium scolopendrium can reach a height of 2ft (60cm) with a spread of 12in (30cm).

Propagation
The easiest method of increasing these ferns is by division in the spring. Sowing from spores in the autumn is possible, but it is a slow and complex method.

Family: Aspleniaceae
Genus: Asplenium

Dicksonia Antarctica is the best known of all tree ferns originating in Australia and Tasmania. It has been grown in Britain for many years for its ease of cultivation, great beauty and hardiness. It is named after James Dickson, 1738-1822, a Scottish nurseryman and botanist.

It will tolerate some degree of exposure to sun, but dislikes very strong winds. Pick a sheltered spot in the semi-shade for optimal, maximum growth. Whilst this tree fern is hardy to around -10°C, winter protection is recommended by covering the crown with straw or leaves. The trunk should be watered frequently during dry weather because the roots of tree ferns actually travel down the inside of the trunks of the plants. The foliage appears at the top of the trunk in spring, and unfurls from the centre into large, dark green fronds.

Growing Requirements

Soil
Dicksonia Antarctica thrives in filtered sunlight and well-drained, aerated soils with lots of organic matter and water and prefers damp sheltered woodland. It will withstand some drying out and can survive in dry conditions.

Size
These ferns can grow to 50ft (15m) in height, but more typically will reach about 15 to 17ft (4.5 to 5m) in the UK with a growth rate of about 2in (5cm) per year.

Propagation
Propagation is mainly from spores, but plants can also be grown from plantlets occurring around the base of the rhizome. The spores can be sown at any time on the surface of a finely-sifted loam and peat mix in well-drained pots which need to be kept moist and covered with a sheet of glass.

Family: Dicksoniaceae
Genus: Dicksonia

This is the second part of the article describing the various ornamental plant groups.

Orchids
All orchids belong to the Orchidaceae family comprising around 25,000 species and more than 70,000 hybrids. Most orchid species come from tropical rainforests and often have fleshy, aerial roots. The most popular come from Asia, though there are many wild orchids in South America. The flowers often have fantastic colour combinations.

Bromeliads
Bromeliads are mainly rainforest plants, originating from the southern states of the USA down through to South America. Their structure is usually a rosette shape, with long, stiff (often variegated) leaves and striking blooms. They can be grown outdoors in warmer climes but are more often grown as an indoor plant.

Cacti and Succulents
Cacti and succulents come a fascinating variety of shapes and this is a result of them living in adverse conditions, often prolonged periods of drought. They range from small pincushion shapes to the familiar tall branching desert cacti. They will thrive in desert gardens but are mostly grown indoors in greenhouses or as houseplants.

Palms and Cycads
Palms are evergreen trees or shrubs often with big spiky leaves and bold foliage. They range in size from dwarf shrubs to tall, unbranched trees and mainly originate from tropical and sub-tropical regions. Cycads resemble palms or tree ferns in appearance but they are not related and are primitive seed plants.

Ferns
Ferns are primitive plants that produce evergreen or deciduous fronds. They like damp, shady places and can provide elegant symmetry and texture in a garden. Tropical ferns can be grown in a greenhouse or conservatory and make great specimens. Ferns do not flower and reproduce by spores rather than seeds.

Aquatic Plants
Aquatic plants are those that grow submerged, rooted or floating in water. Many aquatic plants are both functional and ornamental. They can suppress the growth of algae and provide a habitat for microorganisms while providing attractive foliage and flowers. A wide variety of plants can be used around small ponds, natural water features or boggy habitats.

Grasses and Bamboos
Grasses and bamboos are members of a vast family of plants that grow throughout the world. A few of the grasses are commonly grown as lawns, whilst others are grown in clumps for their height and wonderful flowering spikes. Bamboos are woody-caned, perennial grasses most of which originate in tropical and sub-tropical climates. There are a few hardy varieties from more temperate regions.