Ferns in the foreground among dramatic cacti

 On the first weekend in April fern enthusiasts had a meeting in Edinburgh. Members of the British Pteridological Society (Fern Society) heard horticulturalist Andrew Ensoll describe an official collecting trip with colleague Gunnar Ovstebo to collect fern spores from the desert in Texas. The fruits of their labours can be seen in the arid house with beautiful plantings.  Set in a rocky landscape in a matrix of cacti and other flowering plants a rich diversity of ferns is grown to perfection. As many of the group were fern growers themselves they were greatly enthused and recognised the skill involved in growing such exacting species.

Ferns and cacti grow together in the arid house

Spores grow in spore-cases at the edge of this frond