Fernery

– Definition and Purpose
– A fernery is a specialized garden for cultivating and displaying ferns.
– Ferneries are often indoors or sheltered to provide a moist environment and protection from extreme conditions.
– Some ferns native to arid regions need protection from rain and grow best in full sun.
– In mild climates, ferneries are outside and host various species that thrive under similar conditions.
– The fern craze in England in 1855 led to the collection and display of British and exotic fern varieties.

– Historical Significance
– The Fernery at Tatton Park Gardens, built in 1859, housed tree ferns from New Zealand and other ferns.
– The fernery in Benmore Botanic Garden, built in 1874, was an expensive project based in a heated conservatory.
– Hever Castle in Kent, acquired in 1903, featured an Italian Garden with a fernery to display a collection of statuary and ornaments.
– The Benmore Fernery was listed by Historic Scotland in 1992 for its architectural and botanical value.
– The fernery at Tatton Park Gardens was featured in the TV miniseries “Brideshead Revisited”.

– Notable Structures and Designs
– The Fernery at Tatton Park Gardens was designed by George Stokes, Joseph Paxton’s assistant and son-in-law.
– The fernery in Benmore Botanic Garden was built by James Duncan, a plant collector and sugar refiner.
– The Fernery at Tatton Park Gardens was built to house tree ferns from New Zealand and a collection of other ferns.
– Hever Castle in Kent was restored by American millionaire William Waldorf Astor, who added an Italian Garden with a fernery.
– The fernery in Benmore Botanic Garden was described as extremely rare and unique in its design by the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland.

– References
– Mary Gibby’s “The Benmore Fernery” provides insights into ferneries.
– Linden Groves’ “Historic Parks & Gardens of Cheshire” explores the significance of ferneries.
– Alan Titchmarsh’s “Alan Titchmarsh’s Favourite Gardens” offers information on notable gardens, including ferneries.
– Jane Brown’s “The English Garden Through the 20th Century” delves into the evolution of gardens, including ferneries.
– The RBGE.org.uk website provides information on ferneries, including the one at Benmore Botanic Garden.

– Categories and Stubs
– Ferneries are categorized as types of gardens.
– The Fernery article on Wikipedia is categorized under ferns and architecture stubs.
– The Fernery article is listed as a stub that can be expanded by contributors.
– The garden-related article on ferneries is also listed as a stub for expansion.
– All stub articles are included in a hidden category on Wikipedia.