photos of other people's gardens

I like to see what other people have done with their gardens -- it's a great way to get ideas for new plants and plant combinations, garden art, and so on -- but find I can't remember the details very well later. Before I got my digital camera, I used to carry a notebook and sketch down ideas I wanted to remember, but my drawing skills weren't really up to the task! Now that I can take digital photos, I find myself feeling shy about doing so. What is the proper etiquette? Should I ask permission? That would be a hassle, what with some people not being home and others not liking to be disturbed, etc. (Plus it would take a lot of time!) Or should I just boldly snap away? (Or maybe a third alternative would be to surreptitiously take a quick photo or two, hoping all the while that no one has spotted me.)

Does anyone out there take photos of other people's gardens, and if so, do you do it openly or furtively? I'd hate for people to worry that I'm scoping out their property for some evil reason or am invading their privacy, when I'm really just trying to gather gardening ideas! :-)

If it is in plain view, then I don't have a problem shooting pictures of people's front yards or house. If it is in the back yard, then it wouldn't be a good idea to help yourself (although some people have done it to me). I'd say it's best to ask first in that case. A lot of people will give you a tour in that case. When I am at someone's house as a guest, I always ask if it is alright to snap some pictures of their yard, basement set up, or whatever.

hcmcdole,

I was referring to front yards only! I can't imagine being rude and bold enough to actually go into someone's back yard without their permission. People have done that to you? Pretty nervy of 'em.

Terracotta, your timing of this question is weird! I asked my 35 year old son the same question while he and I were out on a "flower shoot" this weekend. I thought, people obviously want you to look at their gardens, so why should it be wrong to take the memory of it home in your camera? Yet, I wouldn't want anyone to think I was invading their pricay by shooting pictures through their windows.

Well, we passed this huge magnolia tree in full bloom! I said, "like that, for instance," and he stopped the car, got out, walked right up to the tree on the front lawn and started snapping close-ups of it! I suppose they would be thrilled to see someone appreciating it's beauty. Here's one of his photos...

terracotta,
hope you don't mind seeing this pic, it is my entrance drivewayof 2004.Which is about 75' long bank. I know you were asking for other folks, but this combo looks GREAT together I think.
Hope you don't mind.

Margerite Potatoe Vine
Neon Pink Phlox
Mary Nell Holly

This year there's
Top of bank to one side
~Lantana Yellow ~Bottom Margerite Potatoe Vine

~ Mary Nell Holly ~Purple verbena ~ Knock Out Rose

Could post picture if you like.

Donna

TC,

I didn't know what you meant (I assumed you meant the whole yard) since you didn't provide a lot of detail.

When I was in Guatemala in Feb. our minivan stopped at a tourist trap for gas while the tourists could shop and take a bathroom break. I happened to see a bunch of beautiful potted plants at the small house next to the tourist stop. I walked over there to look at everything up close. The woman who lived there came out to check up on me I guess. I don't think she spoke English and I don't speak Spanish but I'm sure she understood "beautiful plants" as I was pointing out my favorites. I told the bus driver that I was getting my camera and snapping some quick pictures if that was okay. By the time I got back over there with the camera, the woman had already left her small side yard and I took the liberty of shooting several pictures without actually stepping into her yard. I don't think she would have been offended. I just wish I could send her some prints.

Yes, I've caught adults in my back yard and I just stepped out on the deck and asked them if I can help. Then after they explain that they have always wanted to see the back yard, I slipped some shoes on and gave them a tour plus some freebies. I got more disturbed at the kids trying to fish out the goldfish in the pond or taking shortcuts through the flower beds on their bikes than curious neighbors.

Here is a picture from the Guatemala side yard.

How's this for a guideline? If you go no closer than the street or sidewalk, take pictures of what you see since this area would be available to anybody walking or driving past. If there is somebody in the yard, ask if it would be ok, (maybe just to be polite). Back and side yards not visable from a street or alley would be off limits without permission. I would want people to enjoy my efforts but not be invading my private spaces, and if they like what they see enough to want to capture it on film so they could copy it, I would be flattered.

Terra,

Rats, you were looking for great pics of gardens and no one's posting much. I don't have a way to post pics which is a shame because being new homeowners we've really done a lot and it's starting to look like someone lives here....LOL.

One of my favorite gardens by a DGer is Starz. Here are some picture links to her work:

http://davesgarden.com/contest/2002/landscape/viewbyuser.php?user=Starzz
http://davesgarden.com/contest/2005/image.php?rid=5147

Another great one is Pirl's garden...she has been involved in a tour of gardens in her area to showcase her place. It is beautiful!

http://davesgarden.com/contest/2005/image.php?rid=6486

Check this link for all the greats in the 2005 DG photo contest of landscapes.

http://davesgarden.com/contest/2005/

The entries are getting better and better each year! Congrats to all who entered!!!

Aimee