Late last fall I noticed a maidenhair fern growing up over top of our clay soil right up next to the house. I waited to see if it would survive the winter, and it did and is developing green growth. I would love to transplant it to my shade garden, which has much nicer soil. However, I don't have any experience with ferns at all, and this one seems to be eaking out a tenuous existence. I'm afraid that moving it might shock it to death. What should I do? How deep do the roots get? Should I try to soak it in a bucket to wash off the horrible clay? Any help is appreciated.

Flora