GardenDC Podcast Episode 219: Native Ferns

In this episode, we talk with Virginia Master Naturalist Kit Sheffield all about native ferns. The plant profile is on Strawflower and we share what's going on in the garden as well as some upcoming local gardening events and this week's garden tasks in the What's New segment. We close out with the Last Word on Pilfered Petals from Christy Page of Green Prints. BTW, YOU can become a listener supporter for as little as $0.99 per month! See how at: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/gardendc/support (about:invalid#zCSafez) . If you liked this episode, you may also enjoy listening to: ~ GardenDC Podcast Episode 132: Moss Gardening https://washingtongardener.blogspot.com/2023/01/gardendc-podcast-episode-132-moss.html ~ GardenDC Podcast Episode 135: Plants for Shade https://washingtongardener.blogspot.com/2023/01/gardendc-podcast-episode-135-plants-for.html Show Notes: 01:15 - Welcome Kit Sheffield, Virginia Master Naturalist and Fern Enthusiast 01:35 - Kit talks about his early gardening experience 04:58 - Kit discusses his geography and growing conditions in Vienna, VA 06:37 - Was Kit’s career related to plants? 10:31 - Kit talks about the scientific names of plants 12:45 - Kit discusses being on the board of the Virginia Native Plant Society’s Potowmack Chapter 14:38 - Kit talks about invasive plants 16:43 - The origins/evolution of ferns 20:55 - Spores vs Seeds 23:22 - Advantages of producing spores instead of seeds 26:42 - Reproductive life cycle of ferns 26:50 - Asexual reproduction of ferns 29:16 - Sexual reproduction of ferns 32:56 - Native ferns that are good garden choices 33:11 - What ferns would Kit recommend for a dry shade area? 33:27 - Sensitive Fern 34:48 - Christmas Fern 38:11 - Cinnamon Fern 41:58 - Ferns are fairly deer-proof 43:26 - Ostrich Fern 45:13 - Interrupted Fern 46:15 - Lady Fern 49:17 - Are there any fern issues that people should look out for? 49:28 - Invasive ferns? 50:22 - Japanese Climbing Fern 52:03 - Where to contact Kit? Kitshef@msn.com 52:41 - Final fern thoughts from Kit 55:24 - Strawflower Plant Profile 56:52 - What’s new in the garden this week? Calendula, Brazilian verbena, and Mexican bush sage are all looking great 57:54 - Garden tips of the week: Differences between frost and freeze, and hearty gladiolus can stay in the ground, but non-hearty ones should be dug before a killing frost or freeze 59:40 - Upcoming local gardening events: Maryland Native Plant Society Zoom Meeting, Brookside Gardens’ Festive Centerpieces Workshop, and Ladew Topiary Gardens’ A Ladew Christmas 1:01:34 - Pilfered Petals: A Tale of Greed and Gardens 1:03:24 - Thank you for listening! Become a supporter We welcome your questions and comments! You can leave a voice mail message for us at: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/gardendc/message (https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/gardendc/message⁠)  Note that we may use these messages on a future episode. And be sure to leave us a 5-star review on your favorite podcast platform plus share us on social media with #GardenDC, so other gardeners can find us too! Episode Credits: Host and Producer: Kathy Jentz Interview Edit and Show Notes: Zachary Intrater Music: Let the Sunshine by James Mulvany Recorded on 11-16-2024. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/gardendc/support