Ferns for every garden - in pictures

The hart's tongue fern ( Asplenium scolopendrium ) will thrive in both dry and damp spots in the garden. Photograph: flowerphotos/Alamy Japanese holly fern ( Cyrtomium fortunei ) (pictured above) loves a dry, dingy spot: Ambra Edwards recommends the variety 'Clivicola'. Photograph: Steffen Hauser/botanikfoto/Alamy The male fern ( Dryopteris filix-mas ) (pictured above) is a UK native that prefers damp conditions. The variety 'Linearis Polydactyla' has elegant, skeleton-like fronds. Photograph: shapencolour/Alamy The hardy maidenhair fern ( Adiantum aleuticum ) will tolerate chalk, which ferns are said to dislike and makes a good neighbour for other star performers. Photograph: John Barger/Alamy Scottish bladder fern ( Cystopteris fragilis ) is also tolerant of chalk and thrives in damp, dull corners. Photograph: Steve Taylor ARPS/Alamy The giant chain fern ( Woodwardia fimbriata ) is slightly tender, and not the easiest fern to grow. But it is so utterly beautiful, especially when grown in a pot, that if you can give it the shade and shelter it requires, it is worth cosseting in the winter. Photograph: National Geographic Image Collection/Alamy The shuttlecock fern ( Matteuccia struthiopteris ) spreads slowly by underground runners, making it ideal to colonise difficult wet areas. Photograph: All Canada Photos/Alamy Sensitive fern ( Onoclea sensibilis ) is a spreading fern that's ideal for hard-to-manage waterside areas, preferring neutral to acid soils. Photograph: CuboImages srl/Alamy The gorgeous fuzzy fiddleheads of the royal fern ( Osmunda regalis ) uncurl into erect, airy fronds of light green, which turn butter-yellow, then russet, in autumn. Photograph: flowerphotos/Alamy