i'll have to work more with using layers, masks...and remember that eraser. You did a great job, Ed, at blending these in!!! my preference is for your first image...the way you did it to begin with...maybe just with that line on the right blended in. i guess i just like how the flower is sinking down into those bushes. i like the opacity on it...how the branches show through the flower some. the others are great too, but for some reason, that first one really appeals to me... i really enjoyed seeing this process and thanks again for the helpful hints!