During the early 1800s, British society became obsessed with ferns. Wealthy landowners and industrial workers alike organized fern-hunting expeditions, and fern-like forms became popular motifs in the decorative arts, with designers featuring the feathery fronds in wallpapers and fabrics. Interest in ferns soon spread to America.

The Dorrance H. Hamilton Fernery was built in 1899 under the supervision of John Morris and is considered the only remaining freestanding Victorian fernery in North America today. Its design and location were carefully thought out as most ferns require a shady, moist environment, not the bright, sunlit world created by your typical greenhouse. The Fernery is sunk into the earth to create the necessary habitat. Inside, water trickles over a rock wall and drops into a pool below, producing the damp conditions ideal for ferns.

A wonderful place to explore, click the button below to visit the Fernery or take a virtual tour inside its peaceful space.