I dug out the last of my Lady Fern this year, but yes, they always did that for me come late summer. However, it also could have been due to lack of water since mine never got watered by me. You could also try removing the old foliage - the stuff that flops. Don't these continue to grow through the season? The new stuff should be upright.

Kevin

Yes, that happens to mine every year. I solved the problem by shoring them up with half-hoops on the outside edge of the bed when the new growth is just starting, and that supports them through the season (the plants support each other on the other side of the bed and 'round the sides of the drift of ladies). I prefer to set the plant supports out early because that way the fronds nicely hide them, plus when I've put the hoops out after the fronds are fully out I've damaged them (they're quite delicate and break/mash easily).