Welcome to the Fernery
The Fernery specializes in plants native to the Leatherstocking Region of central New York which includes the ecozones Northern Allegheny Plateau and the Mohawk Valley section of the Eastern Great Lakes lowlands.
We offer native ferns, perennials, grasses, sedges, shrubs and trees.
Hours
Open August 30-31 (Friday and Saturday) and September 1 (Sunday) from 10 am to 5 pm. Closed Labor Day. Hours in September: By appointment or chance. Please check list of plants first as we are sold out of many items. All remaining stock is 50% off. Thank you for a great season!
You can message on Facebook if you would like to make an appointment or to check on the availability of plants, or email theferneryatwhitehouse@gmail.com.
directions
Why make the change
to native plants?
There are many benefits to using native plants for your home garden. Here are a few!
More Wildlife
Low Maintenance/Low Cost
Avoid Invasive Exotics
Balance Habitat Loss
Beauty
about the fernery
The Fernery was established in 2014 as an outgrowth of a lifetime hobby by owner Connie Tedesco. Native ferns and shade plants were the original focus, but over time many other species have been added. Although still a small, “backyard” business, the Fernery now carries 150-200 different species of ferns, sedges and grasses, perennials, trees and shrubs native to the Leatherstocking Region of upstate New York.
Connie’s background includes degrees in Plant Science (B.S. Cornell) and Biology (M.A. SUCO). She has served on the Board of the New York Flora Association and earned NYFA’s Native Plant Conservation Award in 2017. She has compiled the floras of 2 upstate counties (Otsego and Montgomery) and volunteers at 2 local herbaria (HHH and SUCO). Her knowledge of the local flora was enhanced while serving as Stewardship Director for 2 upstate land trusts and as a contract botanist for other land trusts and organizations. She founded the Leatherstocking Botanical Society in 2015. Her goal is to educate about native plants and to change the landscape culture to a healthier alternative.