There are many hardy ferns to choose from. These are the ones that you can plant in your garden as perennials. Of course ostrich fern is one that would do well (even too well) and grow large and tropical looking. Often nurseries (like Home Depot) sell hardy ferns in quart and gallon pots, a much faster solution that starting from spores.

Here is a link that might be useful: Hardy Ferns

Thank you for the information and the website.

Try some christmas ferns for evergreen foliage in the winter time (if they're not covered by snow like mine are right now!)Check out dixie wood fern (also evergreen) and sensitive ferns as well. You could also look into getting some butterbur for that spot too, it definately looks tropical. I know it can withstand clay, as that is what i have, but it does require regular watering.
Good luck!