Native Ferns (Tawes Garden)

Location

Tawes Garden (Annapolis, Maryland)
Main conference room

Prerequisites

Intern or Certified Status as a Master Gardener OR Intern or Certified Status as a Master Naturalist

Native Plant Essentials (in person) OR Native Plant Essentials (online)

Refund Policy

No refunds will be awarded after July 9th

Class Description

Got shade? Get ferns! Nothing announces spring like the unfurling of fiddleheads, or summer like a mass of lush, green fronds. Some fern species even offer winter interest.

The first portion of the class will involve the discussion of native ferns, their horticultural requirements, aesthetics, landscape uses, identification, and ecology. Then class will move outside for a guided tour of the 5-acre Helen Tawes Garden. This garden was once a flat, cinder parking lot, but now this beautiful native demonstration garden showcases various native plant communities -- from the Western Maryland forest, to Central Maryland streamside, and to the Eastern Shore marsh.

As we progress along the handicap-accessible trail, you will see many of the ferns discussed in class, including Christmas ferns, Cinnamon ferns, Sensitive ferns, Lady ferns, Netted Chain ferns, Ebony Spleenwort ferns, Royal Ferns, and Hay Scented ferns. You will learn fern-related tips and tricks from the pros who have brought this garden jewel to life.

By the end of this class you will have the skills needed to create beautiful landscape beds full of native ferns.

Tentative Class Schedule

8:30-9:00am -- Sign in, introductions
9:00-10:30am -- Class begins, lecture about ferns
10:30-12:00 -- History and tour of Tawes Garden

This class will count as 3 hours of MG State continuing education credits and as part of the requirements for the Native Plants certificate.

Remember to Bring

Water/beverage
MG or MN name badge
Clothing/hat/sunblock/insect repellant -- appropriate for whatever weather the day will bring

Recommended: Notepad, camera, binoculars

Instructor

Dr. Sara Tangren (Associate Agent, Home & Garden Information Center) is a specialist in sustainable landscaping and native plants. In addition to working with native landscapes and planted meadows, she has worked with the University of Maryland Arboretum and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources on the conservation of native plants.