What do you mean ferns won't do well in MD? I lived in NY for most of my life and had many different varieties of ferns that did very well there.

As I look into this more, I believe they can survive if they are wrapped in the winter, right? Is that what you do? Used to live down south and you didn't have to do anything and they are fine all year. Really miss that tropical look. What kind do you plant in NY?

Ferns require no winter protection anywhere.....as long as you pick those suited to your hardiness zone. And assuming you are in a zone 6 or 7, as is most of MD, that's not going to limit you much!! There are dozens of cold hardy fern varieties.

Thank you so much for the advice and recommendations! I'm in 7b but the weather has been so crazy these last couple of years we can have a mild winter to a couple of feet of snow. Do you ever buy plants on line? if so any favorite companies?

I don't but then I don't really need to - local nurseries here carry a very wide selection of plants. If they don't carry it, I probably don't need it ;-)) I'd check what's available locally before I bothered with mail order - larger plants for the same price and no shipping charges!!

good point. I think i'll research some nurseries.