I offer this year’s flat competition in memory of Marcus Asparagus, whom many of us will miss so much. Inspired by his nom, this year’s competition turns our attention to the botanical world. Every flat must in some way involve something related to plants. It could be the base or the verse, but bring out your best begonias, your funniest ferns, your most ingenious ivies, or your astonishing asparagus.

Remember that convention flats are solved without references and under time pressure, so keep that in mind as you choose your bases and your cluing. Any flat type is welcome, so long as it’s in the Guide or has appeared in The Enigma relatively recently.

Flats are due June 15. Please send flats to , and please put “Con flat submission” or something similar in the subject line of the email.

Saxifrage