Overwintering ferns
Three ferns, three winters
Which ferns survived the shed, the porch, and being forgotten says more about the ferns than the gardener.
The shed — Dryopteris filix-mas
Dormant and unbothered. Cut back late, potted dry, checked once. Regrowth by March.
The porch — Adiantum
The maidenhair wanted a windowsill and got a porch. It sulked, dropped fronds, and returned from the roots in April.
Forgotten — Polystichum
Left behind the bins all winter, pot frozen to the ground. Untouched, unbothered, perfect. Some plants earn their names.