Jeez Tink, that's quite a compliment for a guy who stumbles his way through life doing what looks good and feels right. I got a lot of advice from all of you here, and a lady from town who raises and sells perenials.
I actually dug up the sod, tilled the soil, (mostly sandy) and had my buddies from the village haul in a dump truck of compost from the village pile. I probably added a good 6" and a year later added 20 or so bags of composed cow manure.
I think you are thinking correctly. Try to stay away from the trunk and GO FOR IT!
I've moved quite a bunch of ferns this spring and will probably do the same next spring.
BTW, if you want ferns, just ask.
Steve