i have a yard full of ferns. ferns grow next to the pond, next to the cattails, under the deck, among the raspberry canes, along the side yard, at the edge of the woods. they are one element in the green tunnel that closes down every summer between me and our lake, feeling just this side of claustrophobic by late august, and relieved finally by autumn color, and winter leaf fall. the point is, i have taken them for granted for ten years now, until a friend stopped by to dig some up for her yard. her obvious delight and gratitude helped me see them anew, and so i present you with a selection of my newly prized collection of back yard ferns. enjoy at your leisure.

ferns: ostrich fern, lady fern,and sensitive fern

saint paul, minnesota