Saturday, November 21, 2015

Recycling Nature's Way

Each year, as Fall comes to an end, I remove the Boston ferns from the front porch.
I buy them early in the Spring from our local farmers co-operative, and with a faithful watering, and the occasional feeding, they grow into huge plants which we enjoy  all season long.
They are lush and green, and offer lots of shade, but after the first few hard frosts of Autumn hit, and the leaves turn brown,  I'll transport them to the trees and offer them to the birds as a winter refuge.

I have tried hanging them in a room and watering all winter through, it makes a huge mess, so I've given up, and resigned myself to the fact that each spring as soon as the farmers greenhouse flings open it's doors, I'm there waiting in line .......

 

 
 
 

17 comments:

Patsy said...

I know I tryed to save them to, but the mess was awful. New ones are worth the price, they are so lovely.
We have more rain moving in and it is to get very cold.

donna baker said...

Yes,, they make a mess. I tried one year wrapping them in the dry cleaners bags and left a hole in the top to water. It helped some, but like you, I'm not sure it's worth it. Mine are in huge pots, another mistake as they grow huger. Anyway... Blowing like crazy here and cold. Winter has finally arrived. My toes were cold after feeding my animals in flip flops. Will have to put them away.

DJan said...

They are so lovely! We had our first hard frost of the season last night, and this morning I see that several of my pretty front-porch plants didn't make it. I think you are right to let them become bird refuge and get new ones each year. :-)

L. D. said...

They are so beautiful. Only a greenhouse would keep them going. I like your buy them in the spring plan. It really is an impressive view to decorate with them on your porch.

Jayne said...

I've tried keeping them too, and you're right - very messy. Your porch is gorgeous! Such a relaxing haven :-)

Kathy said...

This is such a good idea! Not only do you get the joy of them without the mess, the wildlife are able to enjoy them too.

LesleyAnn said...

Lovely plants and photos. My aunt brought her ferns indoors. She used Epsom salts in the water and kept a humidifier near them. They were amazing.

Unknown said...

Beautiful, how lovely to have a porch like that, unfortunately not very practical in London...I love your new(ish) header

Mel said...

They are magnificent!

~Kim at Golden Pines~ said...

We used to have them in our office where I worked, so I know all about how the ferns shed. But they are beautiful and I love that the birds will find safety and protection in them in the winter.

Anonymous said...

Love coming here visiting you.. I am back up and running.. can't believe it!

Anonymous said...

I am finally back up and running.. YOu are one of my first I have visited tonight.. late late.. love it here.. No music?

Anonymous said...

love it here.. testing..

Shuttle, Hook and Needle said...

I always hate to see flowers die with the first frost/freeze. That is the time they seem to be the most beautiful. I've tried keeping ferns over winter and yes they make a huge mess. My daughter bought a green house so next year I am going to give them to her to keep. Lovely porch with the ferns and geranium. It is a drink coffee or tea, sit and stich all day kinda porch!

Susie said...

Jo, A haven for birds is perfect. I do not cut down all my dead mums for the same reason. Little birds like to hide in them. Hope you are keeping warm. We had our first snow and it was plenty. Now onward to Spring. :):) Blessings to you Jo, for a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday with loved ones, xoxo,Susie

Unknown said...

Beautiful porch and ferns!!! Those will make a great nest and refuge for the birds:)

Janice Kay Schaub said...

wow those are some Boston Ferns. Beautiful. It's a pity they don't last all year. Or maybe in Tennessee they do?
Janice