Re: [SG] seeking advice

>want to move some ferns from side of the driveway to the other, before I do
>so wanted some advice as how best to move them--I have read on this list that
>ferns have extensive root system, need to be soaked???, is there a specific
>time of year I should wait for?
>

This depends to some extent on the ferns.  Now is a bad time to move ferns
because they have all their foliage and the weather is likely to be hot and
dry,maximizing stress.  If you must move ferns now, cut off about 2/3 of
the foliage and water them well several days before digging them.  Take a
large root ball with each plant. After replanting, mulch well, water
frequently, and if the new location is brighter than the old one, cover
with shade cloth, like Reemay.  Follow this proceedure for evergreen ferns
moved at any time.

Much better to move deciduous ferns in the early spring or late fall, when
many native species are dormant and have lost their foliage.  Also, spring
and fall rains are more reliable and the weather is not so hot.  Spring is
a time of rapid growth for ferns, so ferns moved in late fall, winter or
early spring quickly re-establish themselves.

Bill Shear
Department of Biology
Hampden-Sydney College
Hampden-Sydney VA 23943
(804)223-6172
FAX (804)223-6374
email<bills@hsc.edu>
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