Native Ferns of North Georgia

Connie Gray, native plant specialist, Georgia Native Plant Society – Athens Chapter

This course will focus on the most common and garden-worthy ferns typically found in the Piedmont and mountain regions of Georgia. We will begin with an introduction to the biology and morphology of ferns, especially those features that will help you identify the different species. We will also look at and compare the habitats where these ferns are found. We will examine each species through a presentation, some actual examples in pots, and an outdoor venture to see many of these plants in person in the Dunson Native Flora Garden. Following the field time, we will examine the samples under magnification when we return indoors. The primary focus of the course is to learn to recognize and appreciate these beautiful and fascinating native plants, and to encourage participants to incorporate them into their gardens. There will also be a discussion of invasive non-native ferns.