In article ,
"Jmagerl" wrote:

I have about a thousand sq ft of fern beds. I suspect they are Ostrich ferns
(some get to 5ft high). Northern Illinois is currently under extreme drought
conditions. I am trying to water the ferns but must admit I can't keep up
with evaporation and they are beginning to show stress. About 25% of them
have shrivelled up and the others all have some sign of stress. My question:
If they shrivel up, will they come back next year? Just how hardy are they?
If a plant shrivels up, do I stop watering because its dead or does it leave
runners that grow new plants next year? WHat can I expect next spring if I
stop watering? I would like to focus my watering on the big trees (the
100ft tall black cherries are the worst). IF it doesnt rain soon, I fear the
loss of some marvelous trees. I can only do so much with a garden hose. THe
hostas, daylilies, peonies will have to fend for themselves. sigh....

Boy it sounds like you folks are getting hit hard.

Consider mulch to retain what moisture you add or get. Ferns are pretty
tough down her in S Jersey and may come back even if they look real bad.
Consider a drip hose as it loses less water to evaporation. 50 ft
for about oh $8 . A Guess. String 5 together for say section 1. Add
other sections as you can afford. You may encounter water restrictions
in time as gardens are low on the priority of most towns. I hope
relief comes soon and not in a drastic manner.

Global Warming......?

We are getting rain every day and would love to send some your way.

Best


Bill

--
Garden Shade Zone 5 in a Japanese Jungle manner.
Acts of creation are ordinarily reserved for gods and poets. To plant a pine, one need only own a shovel.
-- Aldo Leopold
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