All Other Flowers

The Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix was a treasure trove of flowering cacti. Although I was told I visited about a month before the prime blooming season, there were already many beautiful flowers. This is one great example. The deep orange paper looks fantastic against the purple of the cactus and pulls the orange center of the flower to the forefront.

Another one from the Desert Botanical Garden. Similar to the previous one, but with more cactus and less flower.

However, not all cactus flowers come from Arizona. This one was found in a garden near home in downtown San Jose! The light yellow paper brings out the light yellow of the flower center.

Found hanging from a rooftop eave on San Juan Island, these are perfect examples of my favorite color combination of fuchsia.

This wisteria plant was hanging from a trellis a block from our home. The sun was shining just in the right direction to highlight one specific flower stalk.

I was walking Phoebe and passed a rundown home with the fence covered in thick vines. Upon closer inspection, it was filled with passion flowers. This is my favorite of the many shots taken of them. I love the variety of patterns, textures and coloring.

Cactus flowers are among the most beautiful on earth. This one is a standout.

I have no idea what this flower is, but I love this picture, taken on a windy day in front of the San Francisco Conservatory of Flowers.

Not sure what this one is either (could it be a ranunculus?) but it's brilliant color and variety of focus are enchanting. Found in front of the San Francisco Conservatory of Flowers.

This makes a really different and striking card, especially on the kiwi paper, which makes the green and yellow colors stand out. The flower stalk is from a succulent.

The state flower of both Louisiana and Mississippi (and on the latter's license plates), the magnolia tree can grow as high as 90 feet, making it difficult to get pictures of its flowers without a ladder or crane! This tree is in the parking lot of the store where I buy my art supplies, and this flower was on the lowest branch, virtually at eye level. How lucky for me!

Dogwoods apparently come in about 5 million sizes and patterns. OK, that's an exaggeration. This particular one is an unusually large blossom. I love how the petals are almost translucent. Picture taken in a friend's yard.

Here's another shot that made me gasp the first time I saw it, especially since it was difficult to take. It was a windy day and the sprinklers were going around, so I had to time it just right to not get me or the lens wet! Recently discovered it's an oriental poppy, and I think it's spectacular.

One of the most medicinal of plants, almost every part of the poppy has some healing quality. It's also one of the most beautiful when taken in the right light. The dark background set off this pure white flower and the yellow one below.

Another example of the light being just right, this was taken in a bed outside my office.

During a walk in our neighborhood, I saw this lilac that had naturally fallen onto a fence. I didn't have to touch a thing for this shot. :-)

The tulip tree is one of those unusual plants that blooms before the leaves burst forth. While taking our puppy for a walk, I saw this in a yard. Had to go back the next day with the camera and my brand new macro lens for this shot.

Part of a daisy mum potted plant we bought for a table arrangement, I really like the shape of the petals and the bright, rich color.

These daisies were in front of a business. I thought the green centers were unusual and make this picture special (not to mention the bug!)