Celebrate spring's beauty and the vital role of hummingbirds with the new "Garden Delights" stamps from the U.S. Postal Service.
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| Philatelists, gardeners, and nature lovers rejoice! The U.S. Postal Service unveils the "Garden Delights" stamp collection. Image: Leisha |
Strongsville, Ohio:
The U.S. Postal Service unveiled its latest stamp collection today, "Garden Delights," a vibrant tribute to the springtime bounty and the feathered jewels that flit among the blooms.
The four-stamp series features close-up photographs of female ruby-throated hummingbirds sipping nectar from a variety of blossoms – zinnias, cigar flowers, spotted touch-me-nots, and sunflowers. These tiny marvels, found only in the Americas, are not just a captivating sight; they play a vital role in garden ecosystems, acting as specialized pollinators for over 7,000 flowering plants.
“The return of spring flowers brings a sense of delight to everyone,” said [USPS Spokesperson name], a spokesperson for the Postal Service. “These stamps celebrate not just the beauty of our gardens, but the essential partnership between these blooms and the hummingbirds that ensure their survival.”
Designed by USPS art director Greg Breeding using photographs by wildlife photographer Ben King, the "Garden Delights" stamps are issued as Forever stamps, perpetually valid for first-class mail.
The ruby-throated hummingbird, the star of the "Garden Delights" collection, boasts an impressive range. About 16 hummingbird species call the United States home, but the ruby-throated variety reigns supreme in eastern and central regions. These feathered dynamos are remarkably small, weighing in at about the same as a penny and measuring just 3.5 inches long.
Despite their diminutive size, hummingbirds are marvels of flight. Their unique wing structure allows them to hover effortlessly, a skill that comes in handy when sipping nectar from flowers. Their rapid wing beats also create a characteristic hum, a delightful addition to the soundscape of any summer garden.
The "Garden Delights" stamps are more than just beautiful postage. They serve as a reminder of the delicate balance within our natural world. Hummingbirds rely on the nectar of flowers for sustenance, while the flowers, in turn, depend on the birds for pollination. This symbiotic relationship ensures the continued existence of both.
For gardening enthusiasts, the "Garden Delights" stamps offer a charming way to showcase their passion. Philatelists, stamp collectors, and nature lovers alike will also find these vibrant stamps a welcome addition to their collections.
The "Garden Delights" stamps are available for purchase in booklets of 20. Customers can visit the Postal Store at usps.com/shopstamps, call 844-737-7826, order by mail through USA Philatelic, or visit their local Post Office location.