Thanks for your quick response - do you think they would grow under a magnolia?

What kind of Magnolia? Is it established or are you just adding it to your garden? What kind of sun would the ferns receive?

It is a well established deciduous magnolia (that's all I know about it) which has just been given a severe pruning so this year will possibly receive a fair amount of sun until it fills in again (prior to the pruning it was deep shade). But I assume in a few years it will be quite shady. I have been growing some large Sum and Substance hostas with some success. I have heard that the droppings from the magnolia (leaves, flowers, seeds) can be toxic to plants and they don't like their roots disturbed but don't know if that is true or not so am reluctant to start digging too much. I would like to fill in the area with ferns and early spring bulbs.

Tassel ferns and hostas should grow beautifully under a deciduous Magnolia provided they are watered. Poly polys are a good choice. If the root competition fro the tree seems fierce near the trunk, plant the ferns closer to the drip line of the tree. Happy planting

I will check out the poly polys. Thank you so much for your help!!