By Nordia Henry, Staff Reporter 
Barbara Hewett sprays some of her 300 ferns. - Carlington Wilmot
FERNS NEVER attracted my attention. So when Barbara Hewett told me she specialised in ferns, I
didn't think it was such a big deal. To me, ferns were just...well...green bush.
Was I in for pleasant surprise when, after what felt like an hour's drive, I reached a gigantic house hovering on a mountain in Kingswood Close, Stony Hill, St. Andrew.
Hewett has dedicated 16 years to nurturing ferns."Ferns are much nicer, I think, and much more rewarding than flowers," said 68-year-old Hewett. "People will come here and say, 'lawd di green bush dem, too much green bush', but that's my choice and everybody seems to be liking it now."
Hewett added that being involved with ferns had made her a happier person. "Having and caring for these ferns is like heaven itself. However, I must say a big thank you to Keith Goldson, horticulturalist and operator of Ribble Lodge Garden, and Claude Hamilton of Hamlin, who assisted me in getting my first species of ferns. I am grateful to them."
TITTY PLANT
One morning recently as I entered the gates of 'Sanbara' (Hewett and her late husband came up with the name for the property), I was greeted by green plants (which I later learned were Staghorn ferns) hanging from trees and growing on pieces of rough tree bark. Then we trotted down some steps to see more ferns. It was then that I noticed a plant with orange offshoots resembling cow tits. At first I thought it was a plant decoration but when I inquired, Hewett said it was called 'titty plant' and the titty pods grew on the plant. One pod of the titty plant has tiny black seeds that can produce about 30 plants.
As we started climbing the steps a knot formed in my stomach because of the height. This did not last long, as there in front of me was a gorgeous fern that resembled a skirt. My fascination for the plant washed away my fear of heights. Ferns have two types of leaves, the first at the base of the plant is shaped like a chiffon skirt and clasps the plant for support. The second set spread and droop, resembling a stag's antler this is probably where the plant got its name (Staghorn).
After seeing what I thought were all the splendid Staghorn ferns on the Stony Hill property, Hewett innocently announced that there was more upstairs. (I say innocently because had she known about the knot in my stomach, I doubt that she would have uttered the word upstairs). U-p- s-t-a-i-r-s! As I walked up the steep, treacherous steps to admire the magnificent view of ferns against the backdrop of the mountain the queasiness slowly diminished as the 16 species of ferns got my attention. On the quarter-acre property ferns were planted in every available place.
From the 16 species, Hewett has 300 high-class ferns Elephantotis, Platerceruim and Staghorn, among others. Staghorn ferns are epiphytic rain forest plants, which means they can be coaxed into becoming outdoor plants as long as the process is done slowly. These plants survive better outside a greenhouse but tend not to do well in hot climate where they can be burned by the sun, just like fire would, Hewett explained.
Hewett is so fond of her ferns that when asked if she has sold any, she answered: "The thought of dispensing with even one of my ferns hurts the very core of my heart. I use to sell but now I refuse to sell any specimen. I have given people some plants and the way they treat them or what they come and say to me breaks my heart."
Hewett added that her 'fern farm' means everything to her. "I have been home for 22 months now and I dedicate most, if not all, my time to my farm. I spend five hours a day in my farm. Having these ferns has made me happy. It's like therapy. Whenever I have any problems I just go outside and the greenery help diminish the thoughts of what's bugging me."
She also grows a few orchids like Sun Vandas (these orchids like sun) and Cattleyas.
TIPS ON CARING FOR FERNS
When spraying to rid ferns of insects, spray and wash immediately to prevent the spray from burning the plants.
Keep ferns in a cool place.
Brown spots on the back of the leaves are called 'spores', not insects. When the wind blows, the spores are dispersed, starting new growth of ferns.
It is best to grow ferns on a bark or in hanging baskets because they survive better in well ventilated conditions.
When watering, it is probably best to submerge the root of the plant in a large bucket of water.
If the plant is in a warm room it should be mist-sprayed once a day.
