(Note: To download 300 dpi images of the stamps, visit http://www.usps.com/communications/newsroom/2007stamps/definitives/downloadcenter.htm)

WASHINGTON, DC — The U.S. Postal Service showcases the beauty of nature’s fresh flowers with the nationwide issuance of the 41-cent Beautiful Bloomsstamps Aug. 10 in Portland, OR.

The stamps are offered in booklets and in coils — a format favored by frequent mailers. The 10 unique designs show flowers that can be found throughout America — in gardens, lakes and backyards — coast to coast.

Nine different flowers are represented on the 10 stamps. Many are found in gardens: the coneflower, dahlia, chrysanthemum, gerbera daisy, tulip, and iris. Poppy are often seen in masses along major highways. The water lily needs a pond as a home, while the magnolia bloom graces the tall and elegant tree. Noted photographer Mark Laita of Culver City, CA, created the images on the stamps.

Starting Aug. 10, the stamps can be purchased online at the Postal Store on www.usps.com/shop, by calling toll-free 800-STAMP-24, at philatelic centers nationwide and at local Post Offices.

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An independent federal agency, the U.S. Postal Service is the only delivery service that visits every address in the nation, 146 million homes and businesses, six days a week. It has 37,000 retail locations and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to pay for operating expenses, not tax dollars. The Postal Service has annual revenues of $73 billion and delivers nearly half the world’s mail.