I'd like to use some ferns to hide the rocky strip that is there to catch the rain that falls off the edge of the roof. I know I can't just make it garden because the rain dripping will erode it so I thought maybe I could get some fern to grow out of the rocks. My question is, can I take fern from one place and move it to another. can I rub the spores off the leaves and sprinkle them amongst the rocks? Would it be that easy? Also the spot gets a fair bit of sun. Will ferns be happy there? Thanks
I think your picture is sideways. Ferns are plants, but they're fairly tough plants and if that's the look you want it might work. I doubt you have any hope of growing sporelings there (you can try, of course) but you can certainly move mature ferns, just like any plant - dig up the rootball. I'm assuming there is some dirt under the rocks. But all said it might be more productive to put ferns in the adjacent dirt and let them grow to disguise the rock strip. Also, plants in that area will lead to debris in that area, which will decompose and provide material that will sustain weed growth, which is more organic material - ultimately, the idea of the rocks preventing dirty splash-up onto the house will be obscured. Are you sure this is what you want?
As for the sun, yes, some ferns can take that; you'd have to do some research on the ones you have (sounds like you already have some, anyway).
Some ferns...like Maidenhair, like to grow among rocks. Having said that...those rocks looks sort of large and I think I would do as said above and plant something in front that will eventually grow up and hide them..you will still be able to have that space to walk over the rocks.
Thanks for the tips. I think planting in the dirt at the back is a good idea. I'll do that. I think the ferns I have are maidenhair. I will only be able to take a few with me though. Can I break them up to spread them out or will they spread over time on their own?
That is not Maidenhair. It may be hayscented or wood fern. Yes you can separate them or leave them to spread. Is this a running fern? It also may be braken.
no, i dont think it's running. its popped out in a few places individually. i like it, it's soft and pretty.
Michael is right; any fern you find growing somewhat on its own in Vancouver is the Lady Fern or, as Judith Jones, fern lady, once quoted: That's not a lady, that's a tramp! The lady fern does spore itself about quite energetically and will transplant well.