Growing Starter Shade Garden

Lady Fern (Athyrium felix-femina): For initial planting of bareroot Ferns, lay the plants with buds and old fronds facing up in a shallow hole and cover with an inch of soil. Ferns are notoriously slow to send up new growth after planting, but good things come to those who wait.

Hostas: With a trowel, dig the planting holes and set the roots in them. Hold the buds (the pointed growing tips) 1 inch below the surface of the soil. then push soil back into the holes to cover the roots, firm the soil, and water thoroughly.