The cause of fasciation isn't known but virus and damage to the growing point both have been suggested. I haven't seen it mentioned but I would think a big change in lighting would seem like a plausible explanation. It's interesting that only one plant was affected. Perhaps it sustained some damage during the tree removal? Hopefully someone who knows more on the subject will post.

I've moved painted ferns at different times of the year and in some cases they split apart on their own. All parts survived and prosper. I don't have any maidenhair ferns growing now. Tried once, drowned it and never bought again. I should try it again. Re: Cyrtomium. I've read somewhere that they are easy from seeds indoor. Maybe instead of dividing it you want to try it from seeds which holly ferns produce in abundance. Just a thought.

Japanese Painted Ferns are reproducing like crazy in my garden. I must have accidently hit upon just the right environment for both the mother plants & the babies. They take a long time to develop though. This will be my first babies' 3rd season & they should be about 6" tall based on last season's growth. I've got about 3 dozen new plants that I've just been leaving to grow up a bit before transplanting since they're doing so well on their own. When we planted the originals Japanese Painted Ferns we took extra care. First, dug a trench 18" deep & removed all of the existing soil to a wheelbarrel. Then, mixed the native soil with 25% leaf mould & 25% composted manure. We then returned this mixture back to the trench & planted. The ferns received 90% full shade (sun between 11:00-1:00. We also mulch them 4-5" deep in May with composted maple leaves. They are absolutely thriving. The babies turned up about 10' away in a compacted area near the hose outlet. This area receives more direct sun but stays continually moist. I do nothing...no mulch, no added soil amendments, etc. Mother Nature is growing these babies just fine on her own. I think this may be the spring to transplant them. They can't stay where they are forever...they interfer with using the hose! Anyway, if you're patient you can share babies from your ferns with your friend. Now, ask me about my maidenhair fern...what a complete failure to thrive. It survives but doesn't grow...no larger now than when I planted it 4 years ago from a 4" pot! Oh well.... Tricia

Jacqui My daughter just moved into a new house with nothing in her yard except grass and bark and a few homedepot cheapo inappropriato plantos, so I would love to trade some of my plants for yours for her. I'm interested in both some of the the blue fescues and the ferns and from your trade list maybe the lavender (what type is it?)....... From your want list I have some plants that i can dig/divide and get ready for you: anemones (white)--'Whirlwind' and 'Honorine Jobert' varigated sweet flag shamrock euphorbia characias and amydaloides salvia forskoahlei creeping phlox tall phlox--light purple and maybe white Please let me know but if possible please respond to my old regular email: jbracik (at) msn.com thanks PNW Judy now aka 'plantknitter'