FABULOUS FILIGREE

The beautiful, umbrella-like fronds of the tree fern will transform your shady spot into a welcome retreat. But it’s the trunk that is most fascinating. It’s made up of a mass of rhizomes (modified stems that usually grow underground), growing up the tree and embedded with adventitious roots. Thus, you should also water the stem and in the centre of the crown when you water the ground. Do this every second day in summer with your nozzle turned to mist, and at least once a week in winter. They’re gully dwellers, so love moisture. And spread organic mulch around to keep the soil moist.

Bird’s nest ferns