Weekend Plantings: Swamp Fern


The well-named swamp fern (Blechnum serrulatum), a native species, grows in moist locations throughout Central and South Florida. Typically 2 feet to 3 feet tall on wet, sunny sites, swamp fern grows up to 4 feet tall in shade. Two characteristics make this evergreen fern unusual: Its incredible aggressiveness in favorable locations, where it uses lengthy rhizomes to spread rapidly, and its beautiful fronds that unfurl with a pink or bronze tinge that contrasts nicely with older foliage. Folks who want to cultivate this fern will probably have to dig their own because, despite its beauty, it's rarely offered for sale. Swamp fern is easily propagated by division.


Is part of your landscape so shady that you're convinced nothing can grow there? Withhold judgment until you try these plants: Lady palm, Tasmanian tree fern, cast-iron plant, clivia lily, snakeplant, wandering Jew, spider plant, ti plant, aucuba, hardy bamboo palm, asparagus fern, nun's orchid, mondo grass and kalanchoe species. All can hold their own in deep shade, and many will thrive and spread. This presumes irrigation during prolonged dry periods and a perpetual, heavy layer of mulch.


I've seen, as well as heard about, oaks and other trees that were struck by lightning but survived for decades after. It's a different story, however, when pines are victimized by those fiery bolts. Because, perhaps, of their resin, pine trees hit by lightning seem to die — sometimes immediately, sometimes over a year or two. And since pines are our tallest trees, they're hit by lightning much more often than other species. A single lightning bolt can jump from pine to pine to pine.

If your landscape can hold a dead or dying pine without it being an eyesore or hazard, consider leaving the tree standing. It will provide a smorgasbord of insects for woodpeckers to feast on and also present nesting opportunities.


Cherry tomatoes are popular in Central Florida because they're suitable for both in-ground and container cultivation and can be grown year-round if protected on cold nights. One of the best new varieties is "Jasper," developed by Johnny's Selected Seeds. "Jasper" bears large numbers of sweet, disease-resistant fruit that rarely crack or split. Seeds are available at www.JohnnySeeds.com.


If there's a stump that's an eyesore in your landscape, you can hire a professional with a stump grinder to take it down to ground level, or you can be creative and turn the stump into an asset. With a little ingenuity, most can be used to support birdbath bowls or turned into table feeders for birds. The best way to transform unsightly stumps, however, is to use them as supports for hardy flowering vines such as Confederate jasmine, Carolina jasmine and coral honeysuckle.

[ Charles Reynolds has an associate's degree in horticulture. ]


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