Gardening Tips 'n' Ideas: How Photogenic is Your Garden?

Any gardener that's been gardening this century knows the benefits of garden photography. Cameras have become cheaper, more convenient, and far easier to use which has resulted in an explosion of garden photos on our hard drives and within the web.

Yet while we may be taking more photos of our gardens the question begging to be answered is, "How Photogenic is our Garden?" Does it lend itself to being photographed or are there only a few aspects 'here and there' that demand the shutter's attention?

While most gardeners happily snap shots of individual plants and flowers the truth is that these are just part of the garden. If we were to zoom the macro back a little would we still be able to take the shot?

The truth is most gardens are not as photogenic as we'd like to think they are. Undeniably they offer us aspects which serve well framed by the boundaries of a lens, but most views of the garden aren't up to the standard which make a good photograph - by our own measuring stick.

The question then becomes, "How do I make my garden more photogenic?" - and it's a good question to ask. So, here are some thoughts to ponder;

1. Walk out into the middle of your garden. Then, with fingers forming a frame and one eye closed rotate on the spot looking at each "frame" as you slowly spin. You will notice that some aspects capture your attention while others may be fairly ho-hum.

Take note of the ones that capture your attention: what makes them so noticeable? Are there any focal points that demand further inspection? Is the aspect framed well by other structures?

2. Then walk around your paths taking time to stop at intervals and repeat the process above. Look back along the path that you just came: is there anything that tickles your fancy? When the path disappears from view does it entice you to journey along it.

3. Change your height. Drop to the ground to see how the garden shapes itself from looking up at it. Or, stand on a ladder and see it changes once you get above it.

Now that you've taken a photgrapher's view of your garden consider how it can be improved. In most cases the improvements are fairly superficial and won't require a major overhaul of your yard space.

Changes may include;

Adding sculptures or garden whimsy as focal points

Increasing the layering of plants so that they offer a longer depth of field

Adding a garden screen to shorten the depth of field and hide some other parts of the garden

Erecting a garden fence that delineates opposing aspects and adds another dimension to the photo.

You may be asking by now, "What does making my garden photogenic have to do with gardening?". The answer is, "Everything!" If your garden is photograph-able (not sure that's a word but I need to use it here) then you can be assured that that your garden design is working together harmoniously. Each aspect may be very different but if they can blend in together without having awful aspects for every nice one then you're on the right path.