When I was a child growing up in Alaska, my eldest niece and inseperable partner in crime, Alison and I often hiked the trails in the mountains surrounding our valley noticing the flora and sometimes fauna. There was one large clearing covered in huge ferns (Athyrium felix-femina I think) that we particularly loved as it was just about the lushest thing that we'd ever seen! On a couple of occasions, we brought a few ferns back with us for my Sister to plant in her garden where they still thrive. Amazing considering we only used our hands to dig them. (There once was a time when children were allowed to get dirty.)
I've loved ferns since then and am still amazed by their variety and versatility. From a few inches high to taller than I; evergreen and herbacious; in full sun or the darkest shade, ferns seem to thrive. Fragile -looking but tough as nails, most are quite drought tolerant and compete well with most plant thugs.
Many people exclaim, "That's a FERN?! when they see this one.
I don't know the names of all of these off the top of my head but if you're interested, ask and I'll hunt them down for you.
I know that our native sword fern is ubiquitous but I love it !
The fragrance of cut or bruised fronds is so woodsy and fresh.
An east coast native that I found at Big Dipper Farm a few years ago. 
Five inches tall.
Eight feet tall.
Foliage Follow Up is hosted by the wonderful Pam Penick. Make sure you head on over to Digging to see lots of gorgeous garden foliage!
