IN FULL BLOOM

Talented readers share their snapshots of striking florals

AS A LIFELONG GARDENER, I’m not sure I could choose a favorite flower, but I really love tulips. This Amazing Parrot variety is a beautiful standout in my spring plantings. Corrie Carswell WYOMING, OH

PLANTING NONHARDY BULBS ISN"T MY favorite task. I don’t like digging the holes in the spring or digging up the bulbs in the fall and storing them over winter. However, I make an exception for dahlias! They are some of the prettiest flowers and worth the effort. Dahlias are especially pretty when covered with early morning dew, such as this one in my garden. Glenda Mueller ROCHESTER, MN

AFTER A BRIEF SUMMER SHOWER, I was thrilled to see this glistening flaming torch bromeliad spike posed perfectly in the sun. My aunt had given me two bromeliad plants from her garden years ago, and this was the first I had seen them bloom. Sandra Lemay APOPKA, FL

THE TIGHT SPIRAL OF FERN FRONDS produced an artistic flair. The frond does not stay bound very long, only a few hours, and I captured this moment at my home in early spring before the frond opened. Dale Poulter OTTAWA, ON