my dicksonia is one year old and about a foot high, would it be best to
protect with straw and string or to lift and bring inside for the winter,if
so, how do i care for it during this time,(watering feeding) and what medium
is best used when it is not in the ground. it is currently doing very well
in a part sheltered location with approx two foot long fronds many thanks
in advance, tony


Personally I'd leave it where it is, otherwise you'll disturb any roots if it's
starting to put any down, which it will eventually.

For frost protection, take two lengths of chicken wire (or similar) and
sandwich several inches of straw in between them. Roll/wrap them round the
fern and wire together, then stuff handfulls of straw down the crown of the
fern and in the top of the roll made by the wire and straw 'sandwich'. All
this should be done after the fronds have died back.

Having said all that, I've seen them left totally unprotected and they seem to
do just fine. I guess it's all down to the micro-climate where the fern is
positioned. Some people just cut off the fronds after they die back and stuff
them in the crown to give a little protection until spring.

I guess you pays your money and takes your choice, as they say, but if you're
somewhere really cold in winter, I'd play safe. All the best.

Dave.