The Pretentious Gardener

My annoyance level went up about a thousand times last weekend as I made the first stop on a public garden tour. "Jane, there are no photos allowed in this garden."  What?  "Norma (not her real name) doesn't want people to publish photos of her garden (for commercial use) without her permission."

And, you may ask, what was so special about this particular garden.   Well, it had unusual  stonework patterns, and nice plantings, but I've seen hundreds of gardens in my career, and believe me, this one was beautifully put together, but nothing so extra special.  Come on folks ... what is it you're afraid of?  Afraid that a garden club member or a student might like to show a picture of a very nice garden to a friend?

Afraid someone might copy your idea of planting a blue hosta next to a golden one?  Or copy that brick inset (or edging) on the flagstone patio?  Or the cobble edge on the side garden walk?

The fact is, no professional photographer would be caught dead taking photos for publication in the mid-day sun.  Pros usually work only in very early mornings or late afternoons in order to capture the garden in the best light.  And if you don't want people putting up photos of your garden on Flickr, just ask them not to do that.

The most fabulous garden I saw all weekend was one designed by DC landscape architect Guy Williams.  Did he stop people from taking photos? No.  He was talking to EVERYONE who asked about the plants, the combinations, the hardscape and much more.  That's what real professionals do.  They like to share their work with other people. 

And here's a photo of great garden I took a couple of years ago on a garden tour ... a garden by a professional landscape designer at that!

Comments

[Pam/Digging]

This happens with some regularity on Austin's Garden Conservancy Open Days tour. Usually there is at least one garden, sometimes as many as three, where photos are not allowed. One time I was told it was a security consideration for one of the homeowners. I guess all those people trooping through were OK, but she didn't want anyone taking pics to remind them of the best way to break in later on? At any rate, I'm with you: when you tour, you want to take pictures to remind yourself of features you appreciated. It's very annoying to be told "no pictures" on a public tour.

[jonathan [email protected]]

I agree Jane - I worked at that unnamed garden last weekend, and thought it was a ridiculous policy. Yes, it was a nice garden, and I'm glad that I spent the morning there, but as far as industrial trade secrets lying about, I didn't see any. I would have taken some shots, especially of the alternating Mondo grass/flagstone paving areas, I liked them, and as they say, imitation is the most sincere form of flattery.

[Gina]

I have definitely run into some pretentious gardeners , they seem to flock in groups. That leaves me plenty of nice, ordinary gardeners to still converse with ! Greta post ! Gina