Two questions: re. ferns and azaleas

Hi, folks--

For years I have grown cinnamon and ostrich ferns around my gazebo at the edge
of the woods.  In recent years it has been so dry in the summers that they have
died out.  I would like to replace them with similar-looking ferns which might
handle these summer droughts better.  Any suggestions?

My second question concerns azalea poukhanensis.  I have two large ones that
have been in place for about 15 years.  However, they have developed some kind
of disease which is making them die slowly, branch by branch.  On some of the
stems I see green moldy spots, which may be related to the cause or just an
effect.  Any ideas on the disease and treatment?

Thanks for your help!
Beth

jgadney wrote:

> Hi Debby:
>
> Wow! You must be far up in Zone 4 to still have frost.
>
> Your ferns should look better in the second season of growth. I wouldn't
> worry about the skinny stalks.
>
> At this time I don't have many other shadelovers, so really can't claim
> success. Much of my growing area is in full sun, so I'm limited as far as
> growing shadelovers is concerned. Your public library should have books on
> shade gardening. And, of course, there's a wealth of information available
> from members of this list.
>
> Regarding your interest in feeding the birds (I do too, with feeders and
> plants), an excellent and not often seen plant you should try is
> streptocarpella Concord Blue. Hummingbirds love their delicate small blue
> flowers produced in abundance. Streptocarpella, a miniature relative of
> streptocarpus, is best used in hanging baskets (I have two). There are a few
> other varieties of streptocarpella; all have blooms in shades of purple and
> blue. They make nice houseplants in winter; bring them in before frost.
> Streptocarpella, a member of the gesneriad family, may be found at nurseries
> or garden centers that offer unusual plants; in my neck of the woods, most
> shops don't carry them so I order by mail.
>
> John A.
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Deborah Howard <Cujotaz@AOL.COM>
> To: shadegardens@MAELSTROM.STJOHNS.EDU <shadegardens@MAELSTROM.STJOHNS.EDU>
> Date: Tuesday, May 18, 1999 5:24 AM
> Subject: Re: [SG] I'm Baaaack!
>
> >what other kinds of plants do u have success with?  i live in zone 4 in the
> >woods, have a large area i am trying to "spruce up"  so far the hostas are
> >doing great, I've added a bird bath and several birdhouses and birdfeeders,
> >thought of ferns, tried 3 varieties last year, they survived, but r all
> >skinny stalks with 1 fern---need some ideas  {we had frost last night and
> the
> >first frost usually hits in Oct. to give u an idea of the growing season}
> >
> >thanks
> >Debby
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