Fractals are never ending, repeating patterns. Infinitely complex across a range of scales, they can also be called expanding symmetry or evolving symmetry. In nature and in our gardens, we can find examples of fractals and approximate fractals all around us. The beauty of fractals is that they take simple equations to create beautiful and unique patterns. Next time you’re out in the garden or in nature, take a look around you to discover some of the many fractals. Here are a few examples:

romanesco
Romanesco by Lars Kristensen

aloe
Aloe by Kai Schreiber

sunflower
Sunflower by Aiko, Thomas & Juliette+Isaac

Many people are drawn to the simplicity of structure that goes into creating unique, and paradoxically complex designs found in the natural world. What other fractals and approximate fractals can you find in the natural world?

Cover Image by Lars Kristensen, used under its Creative Commons license.

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