Ferns are some of the world’s oldest-living things. They dominated the planet’s vegetation through the Carboniferous period, well over 200 million years ago. Today, ferns form an important part of many gardens and, while there are a few exceptional annual forms, most are long-lived perennials. Their deep roots mean that they are tolerant of drought conditions, yet they don’t mind a damp soil either.

Ferns were incredibly popular in Victorian times. After this they fell out of favour, but in recent years there has been a resurgence of interest.

Ferns come in many different sizes, and this can often depend on their habitat. Beautiful forms of the shield fern (Dryopteris) may grow to 1.5m long in ideal conditions, but they are usually smaller than this. Likewise, if planted next to water, and where they can spread, fronds of the royal fern, Osmunda regalis, are capable of growing as long as 3.5m—although, it has to be said, in a less wet and less luxuriant spot, they will measure just around 60cm or so.

Ferns are particularly accepting of shade. Most enjoy at least some shade, and as gardens are becoming smaller, with proportionately more shade present (thanks to nearby buildings), ferns are becoming more desirable for the gardener. Don’t forget, too, that these are beautiful plants—and they’re not just green: many offer reddish, yellowish and other shades at different times of the year.

Do grow a few ferns in your garden. In shade, by water, under trees, between shrubs, in the rock garden, or even miniature plantings in their own fernery, these prehistoric plants are invaluable.