Now that my slide labeling program is working out, I've been able to scan a lot of photos from trips that I'd never cataloged before. Almost all of this week's photos are from a trip in April 2003 through Kentucky and Ohio.

I'd like to remind you all that not every image is a breathtaking work of art. What I try to do is capture the essence of the plant, but sometimes it's raining or I have the wrong lens or my contact lenses are bugging me, so they're not all perfect. By rating the images in the gallery, you let me know which pictures should be replaced if the opportunity presents itself; otherwise, I just assume that they're all good!

Also, just because a habit shot might not be great, that doesn't mean that you shouldn't check out the close-up flower shot too. Usually poor weather for habit shots means great weather for closeups, and the inverse is true as well. Lighting is everything. 😃

I'm also curious about something — could you let me know how this large image:

    https://www.hort.net/gallery/view/fab/wisfl40

compares to the new one in the gallery at:

    https://www.hort.net/gallery/view/fab/wisfl40

The new one is actually derived from the larger image (which in turn comes from an even larger image), but I'm curious about image degradation. If anyone has any ideas on how to make them look better when reduced in size, I'm all ears!

Spring is right around the corner. I can't wait!

Christopher Lindsey, gallery maintainer

P.S. Be sure to check out Cornus florida 'Spring Grove' this week. The photo is of the cultivar's parent plant in full bloom.