The primary plants in the "new" shade tree bed are starting their third and fourth seasons... and they are responding nicely to the location and their soil mix. I fear the 'Muscadet' Lilies are going to have fewer and smaller blooms than last year because of the February deep freeze. But the Heuchera and the two Cranesbills are growing as though they liked the cold period we had.

The Tokyo Wood Fern is growing nicely, but not rapidly. Since noticing that, however, one good source said they develop slowly and John Mickel said, "... it branches slowly, so divisions are infrequent." So I just need patience with this Fern.
Tokyo Wood Fern grows from a crown, has stiffly erect, narrow fronds that reach 1.5 - 3 feet. It is deciduous. It prefers moist, humusy soil containing high amounts of organic matter. Prefers a site in part to full shade with protection from drying summer winds.

The other plant in this combination I am particularly fond of is the 'Biokovo' Cranesbill. Even though you have to pluck them or get down on hands and knees to get close... this little flower deserves very close-up attention. It is lovely... it is feminine... it is alluring. It is also just plain CUTE.
It was developed by Dr. Helen Kiefer, in 1974 at Cambridge, when she crossed G. macrorrhizum [female parent] and G. dalmaticum.



The Cranesbill has grown in the mild shade of the Silver Maple for three years and blooms reliably every May. A former client kept a small bouquet in a very small vase on her desk in spring. She said every friend and visitor commented on them... and all of them thought they were silk or glass. [They're very delicate... and CUTE!]