A Good Finish to a Busy Week

After a too-short visit to the beach with my family, it was time to get back to work. This past week was catch-up time, and I was reminded that the best laid plans rarely come to pass. That was certainly the case for me.

The week started out with major computer problems. Those took the better part of a day to resolve – at least to the point of having online access. Losing a day of productivity during an already over-committed week isn’t a great way to start out.

Thankfully, the week wrapped up nicely with the highlight of being able to photograph in Ryan Gainey’s garden. Ryan is an Atlanta-based garden designer known and respected around the world.

I’ve been to Mr. Gainey’s garden many times. It’s usually been as part of a large garden tour, sharing the pathways with dozens of people. Well as beautiful as his garden is with a crowd, there is no substitute for having it all to yourself.

Such was the case this past Thursday. I needed photos for the website and other business-related matters, and Mr. Gainey was nice enough to allow me to arrive at 6:45am to get started. I’m happiest in any garden at dawn, but the still-fresh memory of being alone in the midst of one of my all-time favorites still gives me goose bumps.

What I thought would be a 90 minute shoot turned into a half-day event, as Mr. Gainey welcomed me into his home for some great conversation and a tour behind the scenes. I was humbled by his horticultural knowledge and his gift for design.

When visiting any real gardener, you never leave empty handed. True to form, Mr. Gainey sent me home with several bags of transplants. Somehow, I have a strong feeling my garden will never compare to his, but it’s a thrill knowing it will include plants from memorable places and famous gardens.