Afernery is a specializedgarden for the cultivation and display offerns.
In many countries, ferneries are indoors or at least sheltered or kept in ashadehouse to provide a moist environment, filtered light and protection from frost and other extremes; on the other hand, some ferns native to arid regions require protection from rain and humid conditions, and grow best in full sun. In mild climates, ferneries are often outside and have an array of different species that grow under similar conditions.
In 1855, parts of England were gripped by 'pteridomania' (the fern craze). This term was coined byCharles Kingsley, clergyman, naturalist (and later author ofThe Water Babies). It involved both British and exotic varieties being collected and displayed; many associated structures were constructed and paraphernalia was used to maintain the collections.[1]
In 1859, the Fernery atTatton Park Gardens besideTatton Hall had been built to a design by George Stokes,Joseph Paxton's assistant and son-in-law, to the west of theconservatory to housetree ferns fromNew Zealand and a collection of other ferns.[2] The Fernery was also seen in the TV miniseriesBrideshead Revisited.[3]
In 1874, the fernery inBenmore Botanic Garden (part of theRoyal Botanic Garden Edinburgh) was built byJames Duncan (a plant collector and sugar refiner). This was a large and expensive project since the fernery was based in a heated conservatory. In 1992, it was listedHistoric Scotland for its architectural and botanical value and has been described by theRoyal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland as "extremely rare and unique in its design".[4]
In 1903,Hever Castle inKent was acquired and restored by the American millionaireWilliam Waldorf Astor who used it as a family residence. He added the Italian Garden (including a fernery) to display his collection of statuary and ornaments.[5]
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