Question
i have 3 dicksonian Antarctica tree ferns which i have had for 11 years. after this years bad winter one started to ferment in the crown and the other 2 are not re sprouting ferns as expected. Is there any thing i can do to revive any of them?? They are in a fertile moist soil and only get full son in the evening in Summer. The garden is virtually north facing

Answer
Hi Catherine,
Thanx for your question.  Yours is the second or third question I've received from the UK regarding the bad winter and tree ferns.  By now, if your tree ferns haven't sprouted, they're probably done for.  If you see no signs of growth, they're dead, especially the rotting one.  Usually, the main plant will succumb only to have pups come up from the sides.  In the future, plant the tree ferns where they will not be subject to the north winds in the winter.  Mulch them heavily with straw in the fall and make sure the soil drains well and does not stay wet because this can cause freezing in the roots and then later, root rot.  I hope this helps and I'm sorry about your plants.
Tom