Piper flowers

There are no pampered rose beds or prize dahlias in my garden. Someday there may be, but now my limited free time is spent raising food. With three growing kids, we need all the fresh fruits and vegetables we can get.

Because any flowers must survive without much of my involvement, those that do are a hardy, common crew. Nothing exotic about a bachelor button, trumpet vine or hollyhock. Yet I have my daughter Piper to thank for opening my eyes to how truly lovely these humble blooms can be.

Piper, now 12, has been interested in photography since she could hold a camera. For the past year she has been doing a photo study of macro shots of flowers. She’s learned that lighting is all-important, and that the tiniest insect or raindrop can add drama.

And I’ve learned that making time to weed flowers has a reward all its own.

Here are some of Piper’s flowers:

      Bachelor Button

                                        Calendula

                                                                      Daisy

      Hollyhock

                                        Sunflower

                                                                      Trumpet vine

      Zinnia

Editor's note:  These photos are beautiful!  Have a favorite? 

Mine is the zinnia.