"You can learn so much about ferns from this course. They are such an incredible plant; able to live in such varied conditions, from tropical rainforests to freezing mountain tops. Ferns are so popular, and there is such a range of them, this course provides invaluable knowledge when it comes to planning or adding to your own garden, or other peoples' gardens."- Tracey Morris Dip.Hort., Cert.Hort., Cert III Organic Farming.

A detailed look at the identification and culture of ferns. You learn to propagate (spores, division, tissue culture), different groupings (e.g. epiphytes, ground ferns, tree ferns) and both common & uncommon species. Growing techniques (baskets, indoor/outdoor containers, terrariums) and cultural methods (soils, watering, pest & disease control) are also examined.

There are 8 lessons in this course:

1. Introduction
   • Review of the system of plant identification, general characteristics of the ferns (especially the fronds), main groups of ferns (filmy, tree, terrestrial, epiphytic and water ferns), information contacts (ie: nurseries, seed, clubs, etc.), pronunciation of plant names.
2. Culture
   • How best to grow ferns and what conditions do they need. Planting, mulching, watering, pest & disease and their control, feeding, pruning, protection from wind, salt air, etc., compost making.
3. Propagation
   • Methods of propagating ferns - spores, division, tissue culture. Propagation of selected varieties.
4. The Most Commonly Grown Varieties.
   • Maidenhairs, tree ferns, stags, elks, common ground ferns. How to grow and propagate these ferns.
5. Other Important Groups.
   • Asplenium, Blechnum, Nephrolepis, Pteris and other groups. Group characteristics, cultural details, propagation methods.
6. Other Varieties
   • Hares foot fern, Bracken, Fans, Corals and Combs.
7. Making the best use of these Plants.
   • In containers, hanging baskets, terrariums, in the ground, as indoor plants, growing and showing, growing for profit (to sell the plants or what they produce).
8. Special Assignment - Detailed culture and identification of one genera.

Each lesson culminates in an assignment which is submitted to the school, marked by the school's tutors and returned to you with any relevant suggestions, comments, and if necessary, extra reading.

• Distinguish between different types of ferns in cultivation.
• Determine critical cultural practices required to successfully grow ferns in different situations.
• Propagate ferns using different methods
• Determine the cultural requirements of specific fern varieties.
• Apply various specialised techniques to the culture of ferns.
• Prepare a planting plan for an area using ferns.

• Label the morphological parts of a typical fern, including:
  • pinnae
  • rachis
  • bipinnatifid fronds
  • lobe
  • midrib
  • crozier
  • roots
  • rhizome.
• Distinguish species of each type, between aquatic, epiphytic and terrestrial ferns.
• Distinguish, using illustrations, between different fern families, including;
  • Polypodiaceae
  • Marattiaceae
  • Nephrolepidaceae
  • Cyatheaceae
  • Dicksoniaceae
  • Gleicheniaceae
  • Hymenophyllaceae
• Compile a resource information guide on ferns, including scope of operation and contact information (ie: address, phone, fax), for:
  • ten nurseries
  • five clubs/societies
  • ten product suppliers
  • other organisations
• Prepare a collection of fifty ferns, not collected elsewhere, including:
  • a photo, drawing or pressed specimen
  • plant names (scientific and common)
  • cultural details
  • uses/applications
• Develop guidelines for growing ferns either indoors, in containers under shade, or in the ground.
• Label a sequence of four drawings which illustrate the propagation of ferns by spore.
• List five different fern genera that can be propagated by division.
• Propagate four fern species, using two different methods, including spores and division.