I have always been fascinated by the color and texture of the centers of poppies and was delighted to see poppies in several different colors during a recent visit to Green Spring Gardens in Alexandria, Virginia, just a few miles from where I live. The tissue-paper texture of the petals quite unusual, reminding me of my childhood craft projects with tissue paper and crepe paper—we may even have created our own poppies.
Even when their petals have faded and fallen away, poppies continue to fascinate me (and birds love their seeds) and I really like the look of their seed pods, like the one in the final photo.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
These photos are really sensational, Mike! What lens did you use to capture such exquisite detail?
I was shooting with my trusty Tamron 180mm macro lens. It is my go-to lens during most of the warm months, because it lets me get macro detail while being a bit farther from my subject than when I am using my 100mm macro lens. In the case of the poppies, it let me capture the details of the flowers without having to go into the flower beds, which is frowned on at most gardens. 🙂
Thanks, Mike. Good information, all around.!☺️
Outstanding macro photographs of really beautiful flowers!
I glanced quickly and at first I thought it was fireworks. 😆
Poppy love .. so lovely indeed!
Thanks, Liz. 🙂
Poppies are great flowers! The flame of their petals is great but then, as you said, the center is dazzling. Love your shots!