A LIFE-TIME obsession by a green-fingered couple is set to be enjoyed by thousands at one of the country's top Victorian homes.

Rita Baker and husband wing commander Eric built up a unique collection at their Wiswell home for more than 10 years.

The couple had travelled thousands of miles searching for rare and unusual varieties of fern including athyrium, blechnum, asplenium, dryopteris, osmunda. One notable acquisition was a very large and beautiful example of polystichum setiferum 'plymosum bevis', which, together with the Bakers' favourite varieties polypodium, scollies and asplenium, made up a unique and very personal collection.

When Eric died last August Rita decided the time was right to find a new home for the collection of ferns and a newly restored rocky fern dell seemed the obvious - and ideal - choice.

The ferns now take pride of place at Brodsworth Hall, in South Yorkshire - one of the country's most complete surviving examples of a Victorian country house and garden, which is in the care of English heritage.

Since it to the public in July 1995 it has attracted over a quarter of a million visitors.

Rita said: "It was a wonderful and timely co-incidence that English Heritage launched an appeal to find historic varieties of ferns at the same time as I began my search for a special home for our much loved ferns.

"I am thrilled that this remarkable collection can now be seen in an authentic Victorian setting and that it will be enjoyed by the thousands of plant enthusiasts who visit Brodsworth's superb gardens." David Avery, head gardener at the hall, said: "Our aim when we began to restore Brodsworth's rocky fern dell was to create a near perfect example of a Victorian garden showing its ingenious use of rock work and decorative features such as the elegant cascade.

"The acquisition of the Baker fern collection, with its many historically accurate varieties, has allowed us to recreate a traditional fern dell that would be recognisable to the plantsmen and women of the late 19th century who sought peace and tranquillity in this secret paradise."

And David Fraser, English heritage regional director for Yorkshire, called it the "jewel in the Brodsworth Hall crown".

He said: "I am delighted that the Brodsworth garden will now be home to this remarkable collection of ferns. English Heritage is proud to care for this incredible horticultural legacy."

The hall is open March 31- November 4, 1pm while 6pm Tuesdays to Sundays and bank holidays. For further details contact 01302 722598.