The New Zealand Plant Conservation Network

I am wondering if someone may be able to help me, I am trying to obtain 100 Silver Fern fronds for next years Anzac Day as the the nurses in the war for the first anniversary of Gallipoli made a silver fern frond and eucalypti leave pinned together to wear for the service and I would like to do the same here in our small village of Murringo in NSW Australia. We have a march and a service every year and this would be something very special to have.

Wow that's a tricky request. Try googling Oratia Native Plant Nursery, Auckland. Contact their owner Geoff Davidson he has some fern grower contacts who might br able to help. Other forum users undoubtedly will have other suggestions

Hi Tricia, transporting tree ferns between countries has become much more difficult over the last 20 years. I would think that if there are any Botanic Gardens or significant gardens in Australia with collections of ferns, they would be your best option. That way, you won't have to jump through hoops and you have a better chance of getting them fresh (and therefore having silver on them). Also, are there specialist fern nurseries in NSW or Victoria who might have plants ?

Hi Tricia, sounds like a great idea. If I understand correctly these are for pinning to a jacket? In which case 4 fronds might be enough to give you 100 brooches. Silver fern are somewhat delicate in that they will dry (and curl) fairly quickly once they're pinned to someones chest. If you get stuck for an Australian source, try Fern Factor Ltd, in Christchurch (3) 344 0297, they might have some ideas.