The Purple Tulip, a Turkish Delight

An interesting note about tulips: They were first introduced into the Western world via the Ottoman Empire (modern-day Turkey). This and other photographs of tulips and various other flowers can be found in the gallery, Flora.

Valentine's Day Flowers...Doing My Part

I have no idea how much money is spent annually on flowers for Valentine's Day, but I don't think it's a stretch it say it's well north of a billion dollars. Here's how I figure that: There are 300 million-ish people in the US; maybe 100 million or so are adult males; at least 50% of those buy flowers, at an average price of $20/bundle; and that gets you to $1 billion. And I think I was being conservative on some of those numbers.

Regardless, I try to do my part to support the flower industry every year. Last year was Tulips, this year Chrysanthemums.

Canon Rebel T2i, Tokina AT-X 35mm f/2.8 Macro

Canon Rebel T2i, Tokina AT-X 35mm f/2.8 Macro

Valentine Tulips

All photos taken with: Canon T2i, EF 50mm f/1.8 (reverse mounted)