Needs a bit of brightness.

never seen a thistle like this, but I feel it has too much greenery to be on topic

I hav eseen this thistle before, the leaves grow so tight to the bud, it is impossible to shoot it without them, it is as if it past of the bud. I think there are times when we have to be a little bendable when it comes to the 'rules'......I would say this is acceptable in the circumstances.

Ade, I think that's good.

author, remember, the definition of a weed is 'a plant or flower somewhere it is not wanted'.....I would be happy to have something this lovely growing in my garden.

ade, trust me u dont want this, it thorns hurt very much so, n they can take over the garden

lol.then you have to tame it and grow it in tubs. The crown of thorns plant is another thorny one, I like them too!

lovely

Gorgeous, looks like dessert!

So refreshing & SWEET !!

yum..lol great details

Wow!!!

Gorgeous flower and picture of it.

Great details !!!

oh...wow... i love it!

very unique

It is very difficult to get a sharp photo of a white flower in such bright light but you managed to do a wonderful job.

Congrats for your second place, Shelley!

Congrats!

Thaks everyone. My first contest and I think I did pretty well overall. I really enjoyed the comments and friendliness here.

Beautiful colors and contrast

Burning bright.

very nice colors

nice one

Very nice macros. Such a beautiful color.

interesting flower

What flower is this a center to? Great close in shot.

Dollmommy - It is the center of a purple coneflower. I hadn't noticed all the colors before I took a macro shot.

wonderful shot, but the leaves in the background makes it off topic

ok..I have changed..is it all right?

amazing

Very nice close up!

great, realy beautiful

unique

Beautiful macros, looks like a firework exploding. Lovely job with this one.