Eye-catching tree ferns can be difficult to find

Since I answered a question a couple of weeks ago about how to find native plants, I've learned about a new native-plant nursery. Tadpole Haven Native Plants is on Paradise Lake, a few miles northeast of Woodinville, at 20314 197th Ave. N.E., and is open by appointment. If you'd like a plant list or to make an appointment to visit the nursery, call owner Shirley Egerdahl at 425-788-6100.

Q: One of my favorite plants is the Australian tree fern, but I am having a hard time finding any here in Western Washington. Can you tell me where to purchase one (or two)?

A: Australian tree ferns, Cyathea cooperi, are fairly hardy, fast-growing, and have wide-spreading, finely cut fronds that give a tropical air to the garden. Few plants are as eye-catching, but they can be hard to locate.

I have seen them at Wells-Medina Nursery in Bellevue (8300 N.E. 24th St., Medina; 425-454-1853) but check on current stock before making the trip.

Your best bet may well be Judith Jones at Fancy Fronds Nursery in Gold Bar, who raises tree ferns from seed, and usually has some magnificent specimens in her display garden at the Northwest Flower & Garden Show (P.O. Box 1090, Gold Bar, 98251; 360-793-1472; or on the Web at www.fancyfronds.com.)

Q. I live on the top of Rose Hill in Kirkland, and I have a very large, mature yard. What I really want is an English country garden, and I think I have the room and the sunshine necessary — I just don't have the expertise. I need a designer who can work with me (and my limited budget) to determine where to start and what to do first.

A: Local professional organizations have Web pages and hot lines to help you choose the right consultant, designer or landscape architect for your project. Check out the Washington Association of Landscape Professionals Web site, which allows you to search for qualified people in your city by specialty, or their free membership directory (800-833-2186, or www.walp.org.)

Another good place to start is by calling the referral service run by the Association for Women in Horticulture (206-781-3827), which matches clients with qualified landscape professionals.

Valerie Easton also writes about Plant Life in Sunday's Pacific Northwest Magazine. Call 206-464-8470 or e-mail planttalk@seattletimes.com with your questions. Sorry, no personal replies.