Hi!
"Character" I'm not so sure about. Maybe it's the B&W conversion, but the background seems kinda flat and uninspiring - it needs a bit of punch, more contrast or something.
But, the tree in the foreground looks quite the opposite of the background - it seems too contrasty and quite at odds with the rest of the photo to my eye. I know you probably wanted it that way, but to my eye, it's unnaturally so.
It's well composed, and the tree in the foreground does have lots of character, but it's just not working as a whole for me.
Now, "Garden Spot" I like! Nice and tranquil. I like the composition, the positioning of the flowers WRT the bench, the wall in the background framing things nicely, the blossom petals all over the ground. It's a very relaxing place, that photo is. Very well done!
So, you're one for two - if you were in the majors, that would be a great average! <g>
I agree with Frank.
Boris
