It's flattering. Let him take pictures. And also suggest other sources of inspiration for him -- other gardens, publications, etc.

well at least he asked.
my retired neighbor has caught several people this spring opening my front gate and welcoming themselves into my garden for a self guided tour.

... I knew I should have left the dog home those days !

I don't know Nandina, I think it boils down to how you feel.
Some days I would have no problem with a request while other days it might rub me the wrong way.

I've opened my garden to the public for differnt fundraising events in the past 2 years and it felt good to have people in and appreciate my labor of love.
I also appreciate the opportunity that other gardeners have afford me when I visit their gardens via open garden tour dates.

I think its a personal call and may have alot to do with how you are feeling.

best of luck with your health issues.
Michelle

Speaking as a hobby gardener - I learn SO much from looking at photos. In books, magazines, online, etc. I learn SO much from wandering around a beautiful garden and if I take pictures of that garden it will help me remember. If one is going to do their own "design" (and I put it in quotes to distinguish from what a true designer would do), they need all the inspiration and visual ideas they can get. I doubt very much if he would actually copy your garden, but there may be parts that he says "Ah, I really like that combination" or "why does this area appeal to me so much?" So my opinion would be to let him photograph, but maybe walk around with him (if you are able) and let him talk about what he likes and maybe you can help he understand why he likes it.

I hope you are feeling better, and what a nice compliment when you aren't feeling well!

He did you a favor, he asked for a favor. I'd have let him. House calls are rare and wonderful in the modern age.

As for his ability to recreate your work, of course he can't. But it won't be any worse than his ability to recreate other pictures from books where he hasn't seen the garden!

If you, as a professional, felt that the trade was too dear (images of your garden sell for money, for instance) you can just say in the future, "I'm afraid my contract with Stupendous Gardening Magazine doesn't allow that." :)

How wonderful to be able to inspire someone. He was obviously thrilled. I would let him photograph things with your permission and the understanding that it is a private garden and that the one photo session doesn't give him an open invitation. Is it your responsibility to educate him--no. If he asks you a question, will you answer--of course with knowledge and grace. I hope you are feeling better.--S.

It's a great compliment and he sounded completely sincere from your story. He owns a pharmacy and it's unlikely he would do anything weird like publish the photos or anything. If you have a gift with plants and landscaping, why not share it? Remember when you told us about that client you had long ago who was the prominent artist, and you helped her design her garden by providing color cutouts? The ability for you not to impose your own ego and opinions is also a gift. You have tons to share. I sure have learned a hell of a lot from you.

It is your space. If it makes you uncomfortable, you have no obligation.

What bothered you most?

(1) Privacy concerns about someone photographing your entire yard.
(2) Someone wanting to copy your uniquely landscaped yard.
(3) You are a landscape design professional, accustomed to selling your intellectual property.
(4) Other?

As a hobbyist who has spend considerable time and effort in researching, thinking, designing, implementing and tweaking my landscaping, my first reaction would be to feel flattered that someone else liked my creation that much. My secondary reactions would be points one and two above. In the end, I would most likely smile and say YES.

"I know he cannot copy many of the ideas, yet...is it my job to educate those interested?"

I wouldnÂt let that be of concern. You have no such obligation. He is not your client. Saying something like, that is a high maintenance plant that is challenging for most people to grow in this climate, would be polite, but even that would not be necedsary.. Passing on planting or care directions as a matter of courtesy or friendship is an entirely different matter, and IÂm sure youÂve done plenty of that in real life, just as you do at this forum.

Happy Birthday Nandina! Hope you're feeling better today enough to celebrate!

Nandina--

I don't think letting him photograph means YOU must educate him...

You asked what we would do...well I'm not a designer--(as you know!)--so I don't have hte same perspective--but I would have let him take pictures. Now, as this is your BUSINESS, you may want to stipulate that he NEVER publish the photos, or submit them for publication. I dunno.

I'm sorry you've been under the weather--sciatica sucks. (Had it with both my pregnancies.) Hope the surgery was minor AND successful. I'm thinking about you.

melanie

I'd have posted the story on GW. ;)

I think you handled it well by explaining that it was an experimental garden more than a landscape per se.

I have had similar situations occur because people are just overwhelmed by the exurberance and the number and variety of less than common plants blooming on any given day. I often tell them that this is my torture garden to see what plants can handle when they aren't babied. It is survival of the fittest and that I test plants here, at least I did until I ran out of room.

I do not hesitate either to let them know that this is not doable by the average person.

Let him take pictures. The vision of your garden that he saw in his minds eye will never show up on film. Only with time and dedication could he even approach the semblance of a recreation.

illude

illude, I do remember the great story of the Buttercup Tree.

They say that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery but if you are a professional designer then your use of color, design and texture are how you make your living and you don't owe anyone the right to copy or to educate for free. Your ideas and your time are obviously worth money or you wouldn't be in business.

I'd have thanked him and explained that politely and maybe offered a free consult or something since he was so nice to have delivered your prescription. Unless he delivers everyone's and charges a hefty fee for it...