Garfield Park Conservatory

Last week I visited the Garfield Park Conservatory in Chicago.  The spring flowers presented a gorgeous, technicolor display.  But, of course, I have to be contrary and share with you a black and white, sepia-toned gardenia.  I wanted something old-fashioned looking, so I began by changing my photograph to black and white.  I brightened the flower, darkened the background, and cropped the photo to a square with slightly rounded corners.  Then, I blurred the edges of the flower, keeping the center sharp.  I believe I will turn this into a greeting card! ~mlr