Hillside Fern Project: June 2026
I realized I haven’t posted an update on the Hillside Fern Project since last September. So here it is!
We experienced an early start to spring this year in mid-February, and we have been in a drought since even before then, with daily high temperatures fluctuating. This may be the new normal, but regardless of the weather changes, my ferns have thrived. I did lose two Boston ferns over the winter; however, I consider Boston ferns—commonly found in hanging baskets—to be more of an annual plant, so I don’t see that as a significant loss. As a note, there are additional ferns out of frame to the right of this photo.
I haven’t added any new ferns this year, but I did place two Hosta and two Astilbe plants among the existing ferns to introduce a bit more variety, and they are also thriving. For the first time, I feel that the ferns have established a real foothold, and I am eagerly looking forward to seeing signs of new fern growth.
Discover more from MeanderingPassage
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Thanks for the update. The ferns look beautiful.
Thanks, Pepper! It’s a small thing, but four years ago this hillside was completely overrun with poison ivy. I took the initiative to clean it out, and now, in the third summer since then, I’m working on getting ferns to thrive in the shaded area instead. This process has been a valuable lesson in patience and determination, and has helped to keep me out of trouble. 😉
I almost expect a leprechaun to appear out of nowhere and begin singing in the first image. Congratulations on the success of this project and enjoy the gift it is.
Those leprechauns are dang hard to spot and almost impossible to photograph! Shy little buggers, they are. Positive progress, even small, is always enjoyed. Thanks, Monte!