Hi all I planted 3 lovely HUGE ferns in my yard last march, and they did beautifully all year, untill october when they began to die back. I read that pruning was not necessary, so I let them die to a 'skeletal' state. I am starting to worry now as I cannot see ANY signs of life here in DE and it's been quite temperate for weeks. Is there anything I SHOULD be doing?

Thanks so much for your advice, as I really love these ferns and would like to help them come back this year.

Meg

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Fumbling gardener

Hi Meg!

I agree with Bill! I'm just starting to see a little sign of life on a few of my ferns and I'm sure that in about a week I'll be seeing something on my other ones. Just be patient!

patches

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"Lord, I love you and I need you, come into my heart, and bless me, my family, my home, and my friends, in Jesus' name. Amen!"

Thanks so much for your input, I'll try to be patient lol. Does everyone think that I should leave the dead growth alone (i suspect that's a definate oxymoron lol), or should I whack it to the ground?

Thanks again!

Meg

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Fumbling gardener

Hi Meighan, did you check your ferns today? I have one leaf on two of my three ferns. You're not far from me so I bet yours are waking up too. I don't recall seeing any ferns while hiking during the winter though they love acidic soil and do well with evergreens.

Sword Ferns and Deer Ferns are evergreens...

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Thanks Bill, never heard of either one. I have Japanese Painted, and Christmas. Have several houseplant ferns as well. I am always looking for something that stays green during the winter months to avoid the "dead" look. Thanks again.