When it arrives:
When your parcel arrives remove from the box and take away other packaging such as the newspaper wrapping. If the planting site is in full shade they can be planted immediately. If the site is sunnier then place the pots in a shady spot for a day or so to aclimatise before planting. water if required.
The next step is to place the plants for planting, leave in the posts at this stage and move them around until you are happy with their position. Planting distance is mainly down to personal choice but a good rule of thumb is 5 plants per square metre, or about 45cm between plants. Dwarf or smaller varieties/species can be planted closer; larger a little further apart. Don't be afraid to palnt with other flowering plants! The photograph shows an Ostricthc Fern (|Matteuccia struthiopteris) with a Primrose, a nice example of spring colour and form.

Now you're ready for planting the first step is to prepare the planting holes. For ferns the hole doesn't have to be deep, eventual planting depth should be the soil level matching the compost level in the pot. Some species will produce a mini-trunk which is shy of the soil surface, you can plant a little deeper but make sure you leave the crown above the soil surface. Add in some organic matter, leaf mould is ideal bot home compost is just as good. For flowering plants you can use very well rotted manure as well as the other options. work the organic matter into the planting hole to encourage root growth. Once planted water well.