THEY are perfect for shady spots and will grow in most soils, but dwarf ferns such as Asplenium scolopendrium can also add texture and form to winter containers. Select evergreen types in a variety of colours and textures to create a mini fern garden in old sinks or large planters, or add types such as the male fern (Dryopteris filix-mas) next to euphorbia and heuchera for a beautiful combination. Very few ferns need constantly moist conditions and most hate being waterlogged, but make sure you add plenty of organic matter before planting and if you have heavy soil, add plenty of grit to the planting hole to help drainage around the crown. Ferns can be grown in the border, or as ground cover in dappled shade, although don't put them next to shallow rooted trees like large conifers which will dry out the soil.
WHAT TO DO THIS WEEK
:: Plant lilies in patio pots, keeping them in the greenhouse to develop.
:: Create an inexpensive hedge by taking hardwood cuttings and inserting them directly into the growing site.
:: Prune autumn-flowering shrubs over three years old as they finish flowering.
:: Drain surface pumps in the pond and have them serviced if necessary. Alternatively clean, dry and grease before storing.
:: If you haven't already done so, put a layer of sharp grit on the surface of your rockery to stop alpines becoming waterlogged.
:: Pot up cyclamen sown in late summer for a good show next year.
:: Clean gladioli which were lifted and tied in bundles or placed in boxes to dry in the autumn. Force the old corm from beneath the new with your thumb nail, pull off the dried leaves and story in a dry, frost-free place.
:: Lift rhubarb crowns which you intend to force and leave them exposed to frost for two weeks before bringing them in to the glasshouse or shed. They can then be packed in boxed using soil, watered and then blacked out.
:: If you have climbers, check your guttering and cut back anything blocking it.
:: Pick over winter-flowering pansies regularly to remove faded flowers.
