Cosmos

Nice, clear closeup.  I like what you did with the grass - makes an interesting , patterned BG  IMO, I would have cut off more on the right side, than the left...or the same all the way around (maybe the same wider bottom, though)

Most excellent capture of the flower, Barb - sharp and with a perfect colour balance.  The leaves are always difficult, and I am not sure I quite like the bg - I would have preferred some of them in clearer focus as part of the plant.  Just my view - this is still a lovely image.

Yes, Cosmos is a beautiful flower and you have taken a splendid portrait of it. No nit for me except a lower light in the green BG, may be.  I love the photo.

I like the flower—the color and detail—but the BG needs livening up somehow. Or maybe darkening is the answer.

This is really nice Barb. I like the slightly offset flower here, but can see it do just as well centered in the frame. Love the soft pink with the great circle of brighter red.

Barb: Even before reading Phil's comments my very first impression was with regard to the BG. I like the idea of darkening it and would offer this vignetted version as an alternative. Superb capture of the flower itself. >=))>

Thanks, everyone, for your comments and suggestions and thanks, Bill, for the rework.  I like the vignette.

Nice strong contrast with the background.