Longfield Gardens: https://www.longfield-gardens.com/plantname/Fern-Ostrich?sku=20000201&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI7Mnq9buG_QIV7iytBh13wgrXEAQYASABEgJss_D_BwE

Blooming Bulbs: https://bloomingbulb.com/products/ostrich-fern-3-root-divisions?variant=31413233156151&currency=USD&utm_medium=product_sync&utm_source=google&utm_content=sag_organic&utm_campaign=sag_organic&utm_campaign=gs-2019-12-26&utm_source=google&utm_medium=smart_campaign&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI7Mnq9buG_QIV7iytBh13wgrXEAQYBCABEgJBkPD_BwE

Thank You!

If you know someone who is already growing them in their garden, they can likely supply you with some as they spread easily from the roots!

And, why the fixation (apparent) on bare root? More successful transplants are complete with intact root systems in pots.

If I could get past the frugal in me I would spend what it takes for potted stock. Given that I need about 30 of these plants I just can't see myself going that route, unless a suggested supplier can keep potted plants under $5.00 a plant.

I also don't know of anyone who could give me starts for the number I require.

I do agree that potted plants do very well. On the other hand I've used at least 350 bare root shrubs to re-landscape 3/4 acre and all but a very small bunch of them have done just as well or better than potted and I saved tons of money.

Thanks again!

If you're frugal (and not in a big hurry), buy 3 or 4 and in a year or two, you'll have your 30 :) They're (like someone said above) very happy to propagate.

Thanks for the frugal advice!

I've been struggeling with this somewhat large area under three large trees in my front yard for4 years and not been successful after tons of work. It's a very difficult area plus it's a slight slope which makes working with it even more of a challange. I really want to get it settled and done as quickly as possible because I've got other projects in the works for the property.

Thanks again!

Under three large trees sounds like it's too dry for ostrich ferns.

My thought exactly Cecily! Ostrich ferns like wet conditions - mine are in 'the wet corner' here and the ones I knew when young grew along a riverbank that flooded every spring. For dry, shady conditions here the ferns I grow are Christmas Ferns.

Thanks for the expert advice!

I'm looking in to the Christmas fern for an option.

I live on the east coast in a beach area (Delaware) and have what could be called a blessing and curse for gardening: sandy soil that the plants love (I can almost watch things grow), full blasting sun and a well system with high iron content that is like liquid fertilizer for plants.

It's been a huge challange over the past 6 years trying to figure out what will take and thrive extremey harsh conditions even with abundant watering and care.

Thanks again for the expert advice!!

Bearing in mind, I'm not experienced with gardening in your area, but sandy soil is the opposite of what I think of as ideal fern habitats.

True and that is a concern that I also have.

What little I've researched so far indicates that Christmas fern does well in sandy soil. It is clumping (I'm hoping for spreading) but close to the size I prefer. It is also deer resistant which is a part of the zoo I live in that frequents my property.

Thanks!

Um, I don't grow many ferns (because dry, sandy soil) but I do have a few spares from various customer gardens which flourish...the obvious male ferns (dryopteris varieties) and polypodys, along with shield fern, polystichum and most of all, the aspleniums...some in very interesting forms...and all of them in difficult positions where they do their thing with zero attention from me (although I probably did at least a tiny amount of fussing for the first few months.

Thanks for great advice!

I'm researching your suggestions plus altering thoughts about how to deal with this space.

I'm really glad I asked the question. I've gotten truly great responses that will save not only time but money that could have been a waste.

Thanks again!

I have bought some bare root ferns in bags from Walmart and had good results. I think Ostrich fern was one. I know I got good Autumn ferns. A fern that can take more sun and heat is Japanese Painted Fern.

It's a low grower and spreads. Can wilt in a drought but it's pretty tough.

As a newbie gardener, I learned I needed to regularly cull my garden of the ostrich ferns as I had an over abundance. I was into “community gifting” at the time, and would regularly put them out and they would quickly disappear. I was somewhat mystified, as to me it was like giving away water - why would these so common things be plucked up so quickly? But years later, when I was out of work and struggling to make ends meet, I monetized everything and folks loved to pay good money for my culling work! I don’t give them away any more :-)