AnnK,
I understand your reservations about a tripod. I don't use one all that much myself, but if you're going to shoot, you need one eventually.
For shooting in the morning, I'll often use a monopod (have to be quick, like you say) and a long lens that shoots "macro" at 1:2. Often a 300mm, sometimes a 200mm (70-200mm). - I think William is spot-on.
That method works pretty well for me - and is a fair compromise. The monopod is pretty agile, helps you hold still, and the longer lenses can have fantastic effects (tho I've not figured out how to make mine William-esque ;) )- especially when you're going after single blossoms.
