Dahlias after a Summer Shower

Dahlias hold raindrops after a summer shower, their layered petals forming dense rosettes above broad leaves. Dark soil, stems and wet highlights give the flower bed several distinct textures.

Work from each flower center outward, using petal direction instead of color alone. Keep leaves with their veins and droplets; soil and blurred background are easier after the blooms are grouped. Raindrops sit on petal ridges, creating tiny highlights that confirm otherwise close flower joins. Petal veins can settle a join that looks plausible from color alone.