I'd agree, ot doesn't quite have that fern look to it. Do you have photos of the under side of the leaves? Also where the stems arise from the ground. New leaves in ferns unfurl, giving them the name "crozier", after a bishop's staff.

Hi Larry Thank you that is what it is. I looked at a picture of bagworms and thats them. We have ALOT of them they seem to like our garage. We have 40 arborvitae (newly bought) and we found a couple on them too. I hope we don't lose any trees to them. We are going to try to control with insecticides. As much as I hate using chemicals. Those trees weren't cheap. Let me know if you have any ideas on controling them. The are about 1/2in long. Thanks Silvia

Thanks for the replies, everyone. I should have included a bit of back information that would better give orientation about my overall objectives. This first year or two, my main objective is to define the borders of the porch for my two large dogs. Until now, we had a pad and grass up to the pad (pad is the same pre- and post- porch construction) and they could exit the pad anywhere. Now, I want them to get used to exiting the pad onto the sidewalk in the center, because elsewhere will now be beds (and mud and mess and plants to be stomped). That's why I've bombed the front with the cinnamon ferns, to make a sort of visual railing while the dogs re-learn their exit, and while the beds age in with better soil and I get some other plants going (hostas, etc.). For the first year or two. It will be no problem to move the ferns around the corner when that time comes. I've always wanted a mass of ferns on this eastern facing side: My second objective is to create a streamlined mow line. The grass is maintained with a 60 inch deck mower so whatever bed edge I develop needs to allow the mower to move along it easily (I guess rather than undulating what I was trying to get to was smooth curves rather than corners, for mowing purposes). Third objective is LEAST maintenance from a hand weeding perspective. I know it won't be zero, but I'd like to have it controllable without being consuming. Fourth objective is "pretty." I'm not bothered with "curb appeal" in general as the only viewers are anyone coming up the driveway; this is not seen from the street. Eventually, I would like to grow and develop in a pretty foundation border. I got the ferns cheap and they will help my first objective. As I can, I will add more plants and soil amendments, so that is what I'm asking for - where do I EVENTUALLY want to go with this, etc. I appreciate all your inputs! Please add as you have thoughts!

need to know where you are .. big city name ... any septic issue or any other facts.. that will help us help you .. you might also define what you mean by mid sized ... odds are.. you wont be able to dig in the exact spot ... so figure out where you want it.. off 6 feet or so.. in any direction ... ken