Giant Tarantula!

HostaDesigner · Post by **HostaDesigner** » Apr 26, 2008 7:36 pm

...ok, maybe it's just a Tassel Fern.

Spider · Post by **Spider** » Apr 26, 2008 9:57 pm

Lol, that's cool!

renaldo75 · Post by **renaldo75** » Apr 27, 2008 10:54 am

eastwood2007 · Post by **eastwood2007** » Apr 27, 2008 12:10 pm

Cool!

I've considered those a time or two and have passed because I wasn't sure they would be hardy here in zone 5. That is really cool...I'm going to get one!

HostaDesigner · Post by **HostaDesigner** » Apr 27, 2008 2:02 pm

eastwood2007 wrote:Cool!

I've considered those a time or two and have passed because I wasn't sure they would be hardy here in zone 5. That is really cool...I'm going to get one!

Long story short... I've tried to grow Tassel Fern no less than 3 times. All have died until this one. I was once told that the secret to growing it in zone 5 is to surround it with rocks (fist size and bigger). Old wives tale or not, I was told the rocks help moderate the temperature swings by insulating the crown and roots of the fern. I tried it on this one, and it really seems to work. This is the third year is has returned, and thrived—growing bigger each year. From experience, don't just plant it in an open spot in the garden. Use the rocks to surround it.

Here is a pic of it in 2006. You can see the rocks better.

bengal · Post by **bengal** » Apr 27, 2008 8:19 pm

Sheesh! That actually gave me a scare for a couple of seconds there.

Rookie_Green_Thumb · Post by **Rookie_Green_Thumb** » Apr 27, 2008 8:23 pm

Its a beautiful fern, and in a very pretty spot too. I've not had much luck with ferns myself. I bought several Japanese painted ferns last summer and they've yet to show back up. Wonder if the rock method works for most other ferns too? I love the way they look in the garden. (with the exception of the tarantula phase! LOL)

flowerchild59 · Post by **flowerchild59** » Apr 30, 2008 9:02 am

What beautiful pics. Thanks for sharing them.

eastwood2007 · Post by **eastwood2007** » Apr 30, 2008 9:51 am

I will definitely try the rock thingy!

Rookie, not sure if it is happening with you, but the first year after I planted my Japanese Painted ferns, I didn't think they made it, and they were very late leafing out. Since then, though, they are doing very well and this year were actually one of the earliest to leaf out and look terrific. This is year 4 for them. Hope yours will do the same....they really are lovely in the garden!