The Most Famous Flower Show in the World

When one mentions the Chelsea Flower show to a garden person, they sigh. Either because they have been there and it conjures up vivid memories or because they have not been there yet. As it happens, it is taking place this week. Not only that but Tim Smit, director of Eden requested that I photograph it at night because Eden had the largest garden ever created at the show.. Incredible!


We arrived in the afternoon to greet thousands of people, viewing models gardens created by the best landscape architects in the UK, many booths filled with everything from garden ornaments, gardening gloves and incredible sculpture to cream teas in the gardens It was a garden fantasy..
We surveyed all that we could but returned later that night, and had the bastion of garden heaven all to ourselves..almost. There were tons of security guards and dogs watching our every move... A real special priviledge nonetheless....

Time is Closing In

It is hard to believe that my time at Eden is almost over. Suddenly every night seems precious. I have been trying to find a perfectly still night to be able to photograph outside the biomes. There always seems to be a breeze.The other night it was misty but quiet, so I insisted we go out and dragged Roger with me into the garden. I found these amazing tulips and a fantastic evil looking
meconopsis.. then the wind picked up.....Well worth the effort....

Anthropomorphising

To be or not to be . It seems that everything I am photographing these last few days is being transformed into something else..They are playful, frivolous and chatty..The Eden circus of which I am the ringmaster..

I am loving my lenses and will have to figure out how to get these from Nikon. They allow me to enter a photographic plane that moves away from reality.

Linda is hung

Hanging a show is a full time job.. there are so many details that have to be worked busy. This is the first time I have printed such large prints and I have spent many Sundays and evenings getting everything prepared. It is always a bit unnerving having a show. Your soul and energy are up on display for all to see. I always feel alittle insecure, not certain as to whether there isn't something that could be improved upon.... I guess it is stage fright of sorts..

Finally, the opening took place last night, and I have to say that I am really pleased with how it looks........ and it seems that everyone else who came feels the same way.

Views from Within

The beauty of living, breathing and dreaming a place is a luxury for an artist. The freedom to return, night after night forces me to revisit, review and recreate what I have already seen. I feel like I have become obsessed with Eden. I am searching for the ultimate image. The one which embodies the soul of this place. And so I have moved in closer, looking within the structures, the flowers, within my mind. It is so exciting.

The Book Launch-Finally!

Yes, The English Garden at Night is finally official. It was launched this past Wednesday night in London at Hoopers Gallery. It was a great evening, a good turn out considering I don't know many people in England. Quebec House helped sponsor the evening and there was lots of wine and good
things to eat... Roger and I both sported our hats and the response was great..... I wandered around London for a few days and it is a fabulous city, busy, hectic and anything goes.. Witnessed the May Day celebrations and the blooming of the cherry trees in Hyde Park..both exciting... I did a lot of street photography which I haven't done for many years... It's a great place to observe people although no one looks you in the eye......