— If you are like me, you cannot resist passing by a garden or a natural area with a number of ferns. Maybe it is because they are delicate, but I find them magical. For some people, ferns are often seen as symbols of new life and new beginnings because they grow in moist, shady areas, which are associated with birth and rebirth. For example, during one of my hikes at Austin‘s Emma Long Metropolitan Park, I came up to this small tranquil area with several sections of ferns growing on the side of some rocks. As in the first photo shown here, this was spring in Texas, when wildflowers and new life are vibrant and abundant. Everything is so inviting and serene after rains cascade down river banks and lake shores.
Ferns provide a lot of protection to our environment. Their extensive root systems help to bind the soil and prevent erosion. This is especially important in areas that are prone to flooding or landslides. They also help with water filtration by absorbing pollutants and toxins. This can help to improve the quality of water for drinking, bathing, and other uses.
Right after a rain shower, nothing is more picturesque than walking through an area covered in ferns. You can see how delicate they are while at the same time appreciating the beauty of water droplets reflecting your surrounding. This next photo was captured at Copperfield Nature Trail, just a couple of miles from my house. That park is one of my favorite playgrounds to experiment with photography. It is a place I enjoy visiting for landscape and macro photography.
For me, though, one of the most mesmerizing features of a fern is its fiddlehead. A fiddlehead is what one calls those unrolling parts of a new fern. While visiting Zilker Botanical Garden in Austin, I was able to see a lot of those fiddleheads. There is no better example of a new beginning and new life than looking at those fiddleheads.
Even when the hot sun begins to burn their leaves, ferns still exhibit plenty to be admired. It is precisely because they can grow in challenging conditions that ferns are also a symbol of confidence and strength. This last photo was captured at the Devil’s Waterhole area in Inks Lake State Park, an hour from Austin. The burn edges you see on those leaves were not caused by heat. It was a result of some extremely cold weather and snow we had earlier this year
This post was written in response to Denzil Nature’s blog and his Nature Photo Challenge #19: Ferns.
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sandyjwhite
Lovely collection of ferns!
Egídio Leitão
Thanks for the feedback, Sandy. It’s much appreciated.
sandyjwhite
My pleasure.
philosophy through photography
Fab clicks!
Love the curved one.
Egídio Leitão
Thanks for the compliment, Mr. Philo. I love those curved unrolling ferns, too.
philosophy through photography
And it is so fascinating!
margaret21
Not only great photos,but also interesting background info.
Egídio Leitão
Thank you for the compliment and feedback, Margaret. I appreciated them.
Tra Italia e Finlandia
Macro molto ben realizzati. ?
Egídio Leitão
Grazie mille, Luisella. Mi piace fotografia macro.
Wind Kisses
Absolutely beautiful gallery, and I love the water droplets. I am like you, Egidio. I cannot pass by a garden or natural area (ferns or no ferns)without stopping.
A great addition to Denzil’s challenge. And a great feast for the eyes for us.
Egídio Leitão
Wow, Donna! Your comment is so kind. Thank you for the compliment.
Wind Kisses
You are welcome. Have a nice week.
bushboy
Wonderful photos 🙂
Egídio Leitão
Thanks for stopping by and for the compliment. I appreciated that.