Ferns often enjoy the dark and dank corners of a wood. They opportunistically commandeer spots next to an ancient wall, or a mossy tree trunk. These are the ones I’m showcasing for Denzil’s Nature Challenge.
And finally … living proof, from the gardens of the Horniman Museum in London, that ferns were around in the times of the dinosaurs.
From Pyrenees to Pennines 
Lots of ferns of different varieties. They can be everywhere, but I like the ones in your photos specially next to the white flowers. I believe you, they were there in the times of the dinosaurs.
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They do look like the dinosaurs of the plant world, I think.
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I’ve become a bit of a fern connoisseur thanks to a north-facing back garden at a lower level than our house. We have Portugal at the front and Scotland at the back.
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That’s a very interesting geographical dynamic!
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We’ve lived here for many years. I used to sit at the front and read but it’s often too hot to do that these days. Bit of a sign of changing times.
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And possibly getting older? I’m far less heat tolerant these days.
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That could well be true!
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Coolth, aren’t they? 🤣💚
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I think so.
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They are old and wise and will long outlive we humans!
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Yup, fair point Peter.
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Love that first image, and the ones of the trees and ferns
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Good-oh. Result!
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I find mosses and ferns captivating…
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I like them best when in dappled shade or sunlight. The woodland photo is lovely. Lots of those tall ostrich ferns in Cornish gardens.
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Ferns are easy to love, aren’t they? Just as well …
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I love the opening shot with the contrast of the white butterfly! And the last one is a fun inclusion 😀
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We need a bit of fun on a dreary day like this (Northern England only, I think)
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Yes, bright and breezy down here today, but rain forecast for overnight (best time for it imho!)
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Definitely.
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Years ago there used to be an old fernery at Kew Gardens which was amazing. It was always a bit tatty and wet, like being inside a terrarium. It’s long gone now, I think it’s a wedding venue now. I’m a huge fan of ferns, particularly when combined with our other favourite, the dry stone wall.
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Ah yes. Dry stone walls, plus mosses, lichens and ferns are excellent.
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I love how you capture these beautiful ferns in various places. They grow well in shady and moisture spots. 🙂
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And in normal times, England does shade and moisture so well!
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Such lush photos and varieties. All are beautiful. The one with the moss-covered wall and ferns stole my heart.
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Old walls and ferns are made for one another!
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Oh, Margaret – you had me heading down a rabbit hole. I LOVE ferns, especially when they have great significance in mythology. I just learned that in ancient Greek mythology, ferns were associated with the goddess Athena, symbolizing wisdom and protection. In Celtic folklore, ferns were believed to possess magical properties, granting invisibility and protection against evil spirits. In Japanese mythology, ferns were considered sacred and believed to bring good luck and ward off evil.
LOVE your photos!
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Great investigation Rebecca. Good to know they have an important role in our cultural history.
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Lovely photos! I remember seeing the silver fern in New Zealand, where it’s a national symbol and has a lot of symbolic meaning. Nice dinosaur at the Horniman Museum! 😉
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So manty lovely things at the Horniman. One of my favourite places.
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Love the ferns – and the rather cute dinosaur.
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The first time a dinosaur has ever been called cute!
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😄
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You can’t beat an olde English stone wall can you? Such a rich habitat for all kinds of life.
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One of England’s best products!
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These are very atmospheric. I love the woodland ones and the butterfly. The dinosaur looks ready to trip over a rock, which should give whatever creature she’s stalking a fair chance to get away.
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I think most creatures are safe with this particular specimen. Unless she wakes up at midnight in the tradition of all good fairy stories.
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My wife has planted ferns in the margins of our backyard and along the garden facing the north. They add long lasting color and depth to the gardens. also, ferns flourish in the woods behind our lake house Up North. Lovely photos, from your walks, I presume?
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You’re right. Ferns are often the backdrop to our walks round here, and it’s good to know they’re a loved part of your garden too.
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Love the irony of the “living proof” comment. 😆 They do say it was a very ferny era.
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Yup! So they say. I’m not QUITE old enough to verify.
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Not by a long shot. Humans have been around for a blink of an eye in geological time. ( that may be a mixed metaphor, but I’m winking it)
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