I really must give plenty of kudos to the gardeners who maintain our beautiful gardens at Point Defiance Park, Tacoma. It never ceases to amaze me how each summer they put on a glorious, colorful display of flowers. And, the arrangements are planned with creativity and exactness. Take for example, in the above image, the placement of different floral species. The colors and arrangements are so eye catching! You see the orange Marigolds that form a border along the flagstones. Behind them are patches of pink, red, and white Begonias. Behind the Begonias are the taller, golden yellow Black Eyed Susans. Way in the back of the image are tall, tropical-looking, orange Canna Lilies.
Here are several shots of different flower species. I used various focusing and composition techniques to create a bit of interest in the images.
White Coneflowers (Echinacea species)
White Stargazer Lily
I came across these Ligularia in a shaded area that had a beam of sunlight shining directly on the yellow blossoms. I took advantage of the lighting situation and was pleasantly surprised with the results.
Trumpet Flower (Angel’s Trumpet)
Here are some shots of beautiful, bright Black Eyed Susans.
The last two images are slightly different from each other. The first image I focused on the whole area. The second image I focused on the flowers in the forefront, blurring the pink begonias in the background. Which do you prefer?
© Peggy A Thompson
northwestphotos 
Very nice, as usual. BTW, I like the blurred shot because it helps me to focus on the main object.
Thanks, Steve! And yes, I prefer the blurred image for the reason you mentioned.
Beautiful! Thumbs up for gardeners!
I think I prefer the first, between the two takes. Beautiful flowers, Peggy!
Thanks for your feedback, William!
I love this whole post! So much color! But as for your question, I prefer the 2nd picture. I like the focus being on one part of the picture as opposed to the whole.
Thank you so much for your comments! So far, most reader prefer the 2nd photo as you do.
Beautiful images, Peggy. 🙂 I prefer the first of the last two shots.
Thank you so much for your feedback! Seems most people prefer the second shot, but I really do love both.