I visited West Dean Gardens today to see if I could find some nice late summer colour to shoot. I wasn’t disappointed – the walled gardens were still a riot of colour. There were plenty of colourful tomatoes and chillies in the glasshouses but I decided to focus on the flowers in the nearby beds while they were still in bloom. I was particularly pleased to practise my insect shooting skills when I found this shield bug on a flower. He posed very willingly for me, seemingly unfazed by my little macro lens being so close to his face!

LOve the second. ????? · 2009-10-02: 11:20

Brilliant Helen, did you go to the Gallery? Great exhibition for 2 weeks. We bought a painting! All adds to your inheritance. Kay · 2009-10-02: 13:21

#2.....WOW!!!! lookagain · 2009-10-02: 15:12

Wow, Wow!!! gorgeous set!!! ????? · 2009-10-02: 16:04

#1 is fantastic!! Great detail!! SheriJ · 2009-10-02: 17:27

Nice close-ups. I love the colour contrast in #2 Latecomer · 2009-10-02: 17:33

First two are both simply great! principe · 2009-10-02: 20:05

beautiful shots! mm mahathirmustaffa · 2009-10-03: 02:27

Beautiful. My favs #3:) boszorka65 · 2009-10-03: 02:38

Fantastic macros. Lynda · 2009-10-03: 05:07

I really like #2, using another bank of flowers as a coloured backdrop to the main subject really works well davids · 2009-10-03: 06:58

#1 - incredible macro!! #2 - I love these colours!! #3 - great composition! Najeli · 2009-10-03: 07:55

Oh my! Wonderful colours and the second image is somply stunning in its contrasts :) Melusine · 2009-10-03: 08:45

wow! aa real spalash of colours miltonjacob · 2009-10-04: 06:21

#2 is breathtaking and such a great scheme. I'll have to search for an opportunity to do that! Lovely set! ????? · 2009-10-05: 21:47

Great set, the second one is amazing tricky · 2009-10-06: 12:29

Wonderful world..... ????? · 2009-10-09: 01:03

Tagged: macro insect bug shield flower garden dean west