the fernery

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 May through September

April 27, 2023

Planning to open in early May 2024- let’s see what this whacky weather brings this spring… will be updating the plant list as the season progresses. Looking forward to your visit!

Also open by chance or appointment. 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.

Note– Plant availability changes daily so if you are coming from a long distance and are looking for something specific, please check ahead.

directions

The Fernery 108 Whitehouse Road Hartwick, NY 13348
eMail Us

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

Would you like to have more birds and butterflies in your backyard? Native animals are best adapted to native plants for food and cover, so a well-planned landscape of native plants can help you attract more wildlife to your property. Note: Many ferns and native woodland plants demonstrate some resistance to deer browse.

Low Maintenance/Low Cost

Plants native to an area are well suited to the local soils and climate, and require relatively little upkeep once established on an appropriate site.

Avoid Invasive Exotics

The spread of invasive, exotic plants poses a threat to native plants and animals around the world. You can do your part to slow down these threats in your area.

Balance Habitat Loss

With current human population growth, we are losing wildlife habitat at an alarming rate. You can help balance this loss by creating new habitat with native plants.

Beauty

Many native plants produce showy flowers, abundant fruits and seeds, and brilliant fall foliage. By planting native plants, you will have a yard that is beautiful and friendly to wildlife.

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.

Native Plants for the Leatherstocking Region