The builders in our area will let us dig up things before they break ground. Do you have any developement nearby?

thats sounds plausible... are you talking builders w/ developments underconstruction?

i don't know of any off hand. sometimes a home gardener will put a sign out to dig up plants in their back yard.

In my neighborhood and surrounding areas are two builders that have developments and I have asked them in the past to dig up items, spring beauties, ferns, trilliums etc. before they broke ground. They've always said yes. Perhaps someone with a wooded lot would be willing to let you come dig up a fern or two in exchange for labor or something you can trade?

I live near you in Bryn Mawr (Radnor Twnshp), and was recently searching for a reasonably priced fern source. Found this place through a PHS member - they came highly recommended. They sell them in lots of 100 for $120. At $1.20 each, they are a great bargain. But, if you are only looking for a dozen or so, this is not for you. This is a source that landscapers and developers use. But check them out anyway - it is always fun looking at plant sites. Good luck.

Here is a link that might be useful: Great Lakes Landscaping

springhill I just got my order