Last summer I fell in love with dahlias.  I just couldn't get enough of photographing all the beautiful varieties at CBG.  The wonderful thing about dahlias is they bloom all summer and into the fall and there are already a good variety to photograph at the Garden this summer.  They provide such vibrant bursts of color and I love photographing them up close to capture the array of colors nestled in the petals of the flower.  With all the rain and fog we have had over the last week, the flowers have been covered with raindrops or dew early in the morning, making them even more beautiful subjects to photograph.

Early morning dew on a 'Jitterbug' Dahlia in the Bulb Garden.

Morning Dew on 'Jitterbug' Dahlia   Dahlias are perfect flowers for trying some soft focus images.

Soft Dahlia The center of this 'Jitterbug' Dahlia is just beginning to open.

'Jitterbug' Dahlia 'Bahama Mama' Dahlias are planted in the north bed of the Bulb Garden.

'Bahama Mama' Dahlia This 'Bashful' Dahlia, which seems far from being bashful with its bold color, is part of the displays around the fountain in the Circle Garden. 

'Bashful' Dahlia

The vibrant 'Diva' Dahlias can be found in the beds in front of the Visitor's Center and in the north bed of the Bulb Garden.

'Diva' Dahlia