Beth Chatto said it well: "No other plant, aside from the trees themselves, evokes such a feeling of cool, tranquil woodland. Whether they are in shadow or in sunlight, there is something mysterious in the fur-backed thrusting stems and the fragility of pale, curled fronds."
A few years later she said, "I have been thrilled in recent years to find I can grow Dryopteris erythrosora [Autumn Fern or Japanese Lace Fern]. A gardener will find they feel the same way. Autumn Fern is one of the easier ferns to grow... and it has multiple seasons of interest. The newest fronds have a distinct bronze coloration that lasts awhile before turning a good deep green. The fronds arch gracefully and can sometimes reach two plus feet in length. In mild winters the fronds remain evergreen... though you will want to cut them back in spring to encourage new growth.
Another fern worth trying for its ease to maintain is Japanese Lace Fern. The fronds elongating in spring are a show unto themselves. When completely unfurled they form a fern that is wider than tall comprised of deep green, glossy fronds. This fern attracts attention throughout the season.

I should have said Japanese Lace Fern used to be known as Japanese Tassel Fern. I prefer that name... but Garden.org says "Lace" is the current and correct moniker.
Japanese Lace Fern is a little more finicky about care and cultutral conditions... so follow directions when planting and maintaining this one.
It is well worth the additional effort.