Over the last twenty or so years garden ferns have greatly increased in popularity and a gardener's options have never been more exciting, but making the correct choice has perhaps become more difficult. Written for the gardener, enthusiast and horticulturalist, this book will reveal the fabulous range of form offered by ferns; show ways of displaying ferns in the smallest to the largest gardens; help in the selection process by giving guidance on tolerance of cold, soil acidity, drought, sun, wind etc. There are also suggestions where to acquire ferns, from the commonest to the rarest. An authoritative and highly illustrated A to Z section, listing over 500 different taxa, further helps with identification and selecting the ideal fern for any cool temperate garden. AUTHOR: Martin Rickard became interested in ferns whilst studying for his degree in Botany, before joining the British Pteridological Society in 1967 and serving as an officer in various capacities since the early 1970s. His fern nursery won Chelsea Flower Show Gold medals ten years in succession. He has written dozens of articles in national magazines and for the British Pteridological Society. More recently he has authored or co-authored several books on ferns. SELLING POINTS: . A comprehensive reference guide to ferns giving general historical and practical information. . Written for fern enthusiasts, plants people, garden designers and hobby gardeners. . Garden ferns have greatly increased in popularity over the last twenty years. . Includes an authoritative A-Z section listing over 500 different taxa and gives help with identification and selection for cool temperate gardens. . Superbly illustrated with 647 colour illustrations. . Martin Rickard has been a member of the British Pteridological Society for over fifty years and has won a Chelsea Flower Show Gold medal ten years in succession. 647 colour illustrations