Wildlife value of Lady Fern — an unexpected bonus

I planted Lady Fern primarily for ornamental reasons. What I didn't anticipate was the wildlife it would attract. dramatic unfurling fiddle-head growth in spring seems to be particularly appealing to bees and butterflies during the main growing period.

I grow it in a woodland garden understorey planting which allows me to watch the activity up close. frond dieback in winter for deciduous species is the most active period for wildlife visits. maintaining consistent moisture without waterlogging is important for keeping the plant healthy enough to flower well and provide that value. scale insects on the undersides of fronds is the thing to watch — it reduces flowering and therefore wildlife visits if left unchecked. A plant that earns its place twice over.