orange daisy

Hi, Dan.  I don't know how to do focus stacking, but it looks like maybe around the green at the bottom of the flower there's some evidence of your stacking.

This is a really pretty flower, and I think having the background be there but be a bit more blurred would be getting the best of both worlds, so to speak.  So you could maybe go to f4 and then decrease your shutter speed if necessary.  And I hope that is all correct.  Others can correct or verify. :)

Barb,
I think that could be from stacking or also be from an error in my selection to make another layer. 
The 18 - 140 max aperture is 5.6 at 140mm and I don't have another lens yet. I could try blurring it more in PS. I think I also need to be more meticulous inspecting my images.
Thank you for your comment and suggestion.

To me, the stack looks pretty good - but I am not an expert in that at all.  I like the comp and the shape echo, but I wish that the stark difference in the light was not quite as severe.

Nathan

I like the addition of the distant blooms, Dan - the sense of depth does help  to place the main flower in a context.  Also like the idea of the high contrast lighting, but, like Nathan, find it just a touch harsh ( might especially bring down the light on the flower centre ). All in all, an eye-catching image.