Blending Ecology and Design: Creating a Woodland Fern Garden

• Amelia Horn, Landscape Architecture, University of Delaware

• James Zimmerman, Plant and Soil Sciences, University of Delaware

This project focuses on designing a fern garden within the Woodland Walk of the University of Delaware Botanical Garden, integrating both naturalistic planting and built elements to highlight the aesthetic and ecological value of ferns. The goal is to expand public awareness of the availability and diversity of ferns that can be used in landscapes in the Mid-Atlantic region by creating a curated, ecologically diverse planting scheme that complements the woodland setting. The Woodland Walk’s shaded environment and organic layout align closely with the textural richness and layered structure characteristic of fern habitats. While previous research on ferns has largely emphasized their botanical classification or horticultural care, this project demonstrates their broader potential in public garden design.

To guide the design, I conducted a site analysis to evaluate existing conditions such as soil composition, light availability, and drainage patterns. Field trips to nurseries, natural fern habitats, and other botanical gardens informed plant selection and spatial arrangement. Starting with a conceptual “blank slate,” I created an abstract design framework that integrates a variety of native and adapted fern species, paired with compatible groundcovers and perennials to enhance biodiversity. Inspired by natural woodland settings, the design incorporates curved stone paths, organic circulation, and sculptural seating features that blend into the landscape while guiding visitors through the plantings. Educational signage will highlight fern diversity and ecological benefits. 

The resulting design combines ecological research, planting design principles, and creative detailing to create a garden that is both immersive and educational. By emphasizing the aesthetic potential of ferns in a woodland-inspired setting, this project contributes to UDBG’s mission of showcasing diverse, sustainable landscapes. While offering a replicable model for integrating underutilized plant groups into public gardens.