Australian Native Ferns

Become an Australian Fern Expert

Learn which ferns occur naturally in Australia, how to identify them, where to obtain accurate information on them, how to propagate them, growing and using ferns in baskets, terrariums, and landscapes.

• There are eight lessons including a special project in this course.  This course is designed as a detailed look at identification and culture of Australian Native Ferns. 
• Learn propagation techniques
• Learn classification
• Emphasis is placed on the horticulturally valuable species
• Study from and at your own pace

Comment from ACS Student: I wondered at first if I could have learned what I needed to know just by reading up on ferns.  But I would never have agained the knowledge or interest simply through reading.  The assignments have made me look far more closely at what I'm doing." Sandra Crump, Australia, Australian Native Ferns course.

Lesson Structure

There are 8 lessons in this course:

1. Introduction
   • Review of the system of plant identification, general characteristics of the ferns, main groups, information contacts (ie: nurseries, seed, clubs, etc.)
2. Culture
   • Planting, mulching, watering, pest & disease, feeding, pruning, protection from wind, salt air, etc.
3. Propagation
   • Methods of propagating ferns. Propagation of selected varieties.
4. The Most Commonly Grown Varieties.
   • Maidenhairs, tree ferns, stags, elks, common ground ferns.
5. Other Important Groups
   • Blechnum, Nephrolepis, Pteris, etc.
6. Other Varieties
   • Hares foot ferns, Bracken, Fans.
7. Making the Best Use of Native Ferns
   • In containers, in the ground, as indoor plants, growing and showing, growing for profit (to sell the plants or what they produce).
8. Special Assignment
   • A major project on one genera of ferns.

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.

Aims

• Discuss the diverse range of ferns native to Australia and the plant naming and classification system.
• Describe the cultural requirements of ferns
• Propagate ferns and identify various propagating media and methods.
• Describe a range of ferns that are commonly grown and freely available at nurseries.
• Explain the significance of a range of important Australian fern species
• Differentiate less common species of Australian fern genera
• Demonstrate more in depth the knowledge acquired through research, of a specific group of ferns.

FERNS

There are 10,000 species of ferns throughout the world of which Australia has around 450, belonging to at least 118 genera. More than 300 species are native to Queensland, around 170 in N.S.W., 118 in Victoria, 94 in Tasmania, 50 in Sth Australia and 65 in Western Australia. In Victoria, ferns grow in almost every region...even the dry mallee. Some species of ferns are tiny, while others can reach a height of 40 ft.

There are also several aquatic (water dwelling) ferns including Azolla, Nardoo and Salvinia.