Hardy fern plants
Most people are aware that the bracken that covers our hillsides are ferns and these same plants can be used to great effect to add charm and delicacy to a garden setting too. Whilst most ferns are generally unfussy and aren't exactly demanding of lots of TLC, there are certain varieties that are particularly hardy, even in northern parts of the UK. We've given our pick of the bunch below - ferns that offer all the usual intriguing forms whilst being as tough as old boots and generally resilient to almost anything you throw at them. Ferns are useful for acting as a foil to showier plants such as flowering or berry-producing shrubs, or simply to add some colour and interest to the most inhospitable parts of the garden where little else will survive. They are shade-loving plants, preferring dappled shade to complete darkness.