flower power!

These extraordinary Photo Contest entries showcase the subtle and diverse beauty of backyard blooms

- Tina Brannon

I couldn't resist capturing a close-up shot of this tiny frost aster and its delicate charm when covered in the glistening morning dew.

Squirrels took my birdseed earlier in the summer and planted the seeds around my yard. Sunflowers were my dad's favorite, so when I started to see them pop up, I was overjoyed. I was even more excited once I downloaded this image and saw the pollen all over this bumblebee.
Jamie Kasten
GREENFIELD, WI

In the hopes of capturing the beauty of this iris in bloom, I began taking pictures from various angles and lighting, when a magnificent tiger swallowtail landed on it.
Later, while editing the photos, I couldn't stop looking at this image. I was captivated with the combined beauty of the butterfly and the bloom.
Laurie O'Donnell 
ROUND HILL, VA

I was immersed in photographing this striking black-eyed Susan at our cabin at Deep Creek Lake, Maryland, when a hoverfly decided to swoop in and steal the show! Its perfectly color-coordinated appearance was a welcome sight and made for an even better shot.
Jeanne Mitcho
DUMFRIES, VA