By this afternoon the tulips I was given by a pupil a couple of weeks ago had rather passed their prime. I was about to commit them to the compost bin when it struck me that, even in their decaying state, they still have a certain beauty about them – the fact that they’ve lost a lot of their natural moisture actually emphasises the texture of their petals. I thought I’d take one last photo before disposing of them and decided a simple white, slightly backlit approach would be best to bring out their fading beauty. Now they can go into the compost to help nourish the plants we have in our garden next year – nothing goes to waste!

beautiful ! photodeclair · 2012-03-31: 12:05

you certainly brought out it's beauty MoMac · 2012-03-31: 12:08

I had the same experience last week with a daffodil... this is lovely Helen McMommy · 2012-03-31: 12:16

very nice idea and pictur. It is great pity when beauty come to non-beauty. gonia · 2012-03-31: 12:23

A wonderfully composed and thought out image to post - and to reinforce the value of com"posting" danrav · 2012-03-31: 12:50

some flowers become more dynamic in their appearance as they begin to fade....:)) this is beautiful! KatysPassionata · 2012-03-31: 14:26

the light is just perfect, wonderful shot :) bumpusdogs · 2012-03-31: 14:43

Oh, yes nobody doubts: one very, very beautiful majesty in this end of life ! josy63 · 2012-03-31: 15:27

beautiful!! tomie · 2012-03-31: 16:21

Fabulous....looks like it's made of light! Perfect on the white background... lookagain · 2012-03-31: 16:40

i love the texture and simplicity of this shot! jennyLit · 2012-03-31: 18:21

Amazing shot... mazpics · 2012-04-02: 14:28

Like paper petals, so fragile and beautiful! Ryana · 2012-04-03: 13:07

Tagged: tulip flower yellow macro decay fading