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.

Ken - Thanks for your reply. First off, these were not transplants. They came from a grower and arrived potted. I had read somewhere that it was ok to plant in winter as long as the watering needs were met. Both are planted on the sides of hills. Soil type is clayey silt. The soil around the hollies is amended to provide more drainage (since I also read somewhere that hollies preferred well-drained soil). While it is possible that they could have dried out, where they are planted receive a lot of water when it rains, but they do not drown. So let me guess - Proper watering is moist (not wet) soil, up to second knuckle at all times? Why proper watering for two years? Is that an arbitrary time frame, or is there evidence out there to suggest that this is a good thing to do until they get established? Unfortunately, I'm more of a carnivorous plant grower. As long as those plants are sitting in water, you're pretty much golden. Would the browning be the result of too little water, or the clayey soil conditions? Many people in my neighborhood have hollies and everyone has the same soil type. Could you perhaps direct me to some online resources that you would recommend for holly growing/care? I'll be sure to check the soil moisture level when I get home. Luckily, the buds still appear to be viable. I'd rather not keep my fingers crossed with these. I'd rather meet their needs instead so they can thrive.

Well, removing the hedge would be the perfect non toxic solution except it would be toxic to my back and bank account ... LOL The hedge is quite long and has been in place for 30 years. Since 75% of it is still good and the dwarf nandinas will fill in the bare spots, plus being that I am on the way to being three times older than the hedge, removing it is not on my agenda. The damage progresses slowly. Since it seems that organic sprays do not kill the pathogen and require weekly spraying just to keep it from spreading I may just have to live with it. Thanks to all who read this and gave consideration to treatment options ... :-)

I think this convo spurred me to try again, and I got an Adiantum aleuticum 'Imbricatum', and it apparently likes where I planted it (outside..not a house plant), and still has nearly perfect fronds (mild winter), we shall see. They are lovely...though the challenge for me may be the wetness of early to mid spring for it. The planting location is on the north side of the house, and it gets shaded by a growth of mimulus alatus (winged monkey flower) and it came through summer fantastically. I hope to see spore spread in a year or two, shield fern, lady fern, and painted ferns have performed well for me here and spread along the house foundation area.