The Ralph Archer Woodland Garden at the Whitehall Historic Mansion showcases an extensive collection of more than 330 hardy ferns. The garden is designed using a Victorian stumpery theme.

The woodland garden dates back to 1998 when Ralph Archer, the area’s foremost fern expert and master gardener, moved his own collection of ferns to Whitehall. Ralph provided the inspiration and expertise to expand the garden into a regional jewel. In 2002 the garden was designated a Hardy Fern Foundation display and test garden. The HFF provides ferns, often rare and unusual, to be tested and evaluated for the climatic conditions of Louisville.

Master Gardeners continue to maintain this lovely garden and act as docents for public events or special educational opportunities such as tree and fern identification workshops.

For more information about Whitehall: click here.