Text and photographs by John P. Walsh.

I started to take photographs of flowers and gardens in 2012. Dangling, drooping, shooting straight up, bunches, single stem, of endlessly different shapes, sizes and colors—flowers embodying life, creativity, and beauty. They are definitely worthwhile subjects and to stroll in search of them for photographs is certainly one of life’s finer pleasures.

The world of flora contains some of the most distinctive creations on the planet. Fresh blooms especially are engaging, shy, forthright and protective. In their season, they simply exist to proffer their fleeting beauty and fragrance for the spectacular end of reproducing themselves. I have taken photographs of many other subjects but flowers I return to again and again. It’s because flowers don’t disappoint. Grace Kelly wrote a book on flowers called My Book of Flowers. “I love walking in the woods, on the trails, along the beaches, ” she said. “I love being part of nature…” This is one of the great things about searching for and finding flowers to photograph: whether in the wild, semi-wild, in a nursery, or on the front porch or in the garden, the wonder of their presence leads to an experience of nature in its most vital form. Grace Kelly became interested in flowers and their arrangements only in the last 15 or so years of her life. It had been suggested to the American princess that as part of the festivities for Monaco’s centennial she might host a flower arranging competition, which she did. Though princess Grace admitted she “was the most ignorant garden president going,” her knowledge of flowers and gardening grew and, if only because of their shared passion for these precious blooms, she met many new friends. I too have found that I have made friends from all over the world because of our mutual love for flowers and the garden. One cannot underestimate flower power!

What follows is a selection of my photographs of flowers and gardens. I have included some quotes from famous and not-so-famous people on this fascinating subject. I will try to add photographs as frequently as I can, with the newest at the top.

Saratoga Pinwheel.

Dianthus.

May Garden.

green garden.

Alcea (Hollyhocks).

black magic (petunia).