A border makes any garden more interesting and inviting, and creating one isn't difficult when you choose the right plants. Ferns make excellent options for borders because they thrive in shade of other more flamboyant plants and provide a stunning architectural impact and elegance. The following ferns make particularly excellent borders because they are easy to grow and maintain. 

The New York Fern

This fern is popular for garden borders because it provides lush ground cover and grows only to heights of approximately one foot. The soft, deciduous leaves add a pop of yellow-green color with fronds that max out at four inches and gradually taper to both bottom and top. The foliage of the New York fern has a translucent quality because of its fine texture, and the plants are useful for covering gaps between other garden flowers because they grow rapidly and form dense colonies. 

Cinnamon Fern

Elegant and tall, these ferns provide an interesting border to gardens, especially in the summer months when their bright green fronds emerge. In winter, their tall stalks still provide a pleasant border when other flowers are withering. They also thrive in damp soils and are well-suited to border streams and ponds. Their height makes them an eye-catching option for the back border of gardens, and their low maintenance needs are ideal for novice gardeners. 

Hay Scent Fern

Light green lacy fronds characterize these popular ferns named for the scent they produce when bruised. Native to North America, the hay scent fern is a versatile plant that can tolerate a range of conditions once established, including dry shade. These perennials are an outstanding option for a natural border and are both drought tolerant and deer resistant. 

These ferns thrive in mulch made from finely shredded leaves or leaf mold that retains moisture, and they do not require supplemental fertilizer. The fronds may be left intact during fall to protect the plants' crowns in winter, but dead ones should be removed in early spring to allow for new growth. As perennial plants, these ferns will keep returning season after season to beautify your garden and provide a stunning border.

Also try some privet plants for excellent hedge borders.