Ferns beneath a Stone Arch

A moss-covered stone arch opens onto a short run of wet steps in a shaded woodland garden. Ferns rise from both sides, from tightly curled fiddleheads to broad fronds that catch filtered light. Water gathers in cracks between the dark stones and spills in a narrow run along the right.

There is a useful contrast between the arch's rough blocks and the soft, repeating leaflets. Start with pale lichen and bright moss, then work into deeper greens behind them. A few copper leaves rest on the steps, and white flowers appear beyond the opening. Those small warm marks help break up larger areas of woodland colour.