September Musings
September Musings | 06.10.2026
the diary of a garden photographer
As I sit making my usual never ending to do list, I’ve been reflecting on the month that passed by in a flash. The familiar sound of the wood pigeon fills the autumnal air outside my window, the robin has claimed his spot, singing sweetly at the top of the field maple tree and I’m waiting for the blackbirds to reemerge, they seem to have disappeared for so long this year, their song usually fills the air by now.
September was an incredible month, filled with such a wonderful variety of projects to photograph, it felt more of an adventure!
Firstly a trip to Antibes, it was a little last minute but a rather glorious rush of events. A stunning garden surrounded by citrus orchards and ancient olive trees on a hillside designed by James Basson, just effortlessly natural, elegant with structure and purposeful journeys through an incredibly resilient late summer garden with the contrast of architectural seed heads dotted like paintings throughout - just as James would have painted it. I feel very fortunate to have had this opportunity, his gardens really resonate with me, the immersion felt quite profound, although my editing down quantity of images was a clients worst nightmare.
I joined James and Helena for a walk on the Sunday in the mountains to Gourdan, although I think walking up a mountain really translated as an expedition with the best beer I have ever had at the top . These two are something else, their love for adventure (and each other), absorption of nature, the art of noticing every tiny detail as we walked through the landscape that influences them every single day, was inspiring. A trip I will never forget, thank you to them both.
The following week was filled with editing and then a glorious invitation to attend the launch of ‘A Garden Love Story’ by Paul Weiland at Belcombe Court. Completely other worldly and very special indeed. Paul’s book is overflowing with his own photography and words, a true love story of his own, a garden that has captured his heart, it was also really wonderful to hear some of his brilliantly funny stories and a chance to chat to the beating heart beside him, his wife Caroline - honestly I think I drove home pinching myself, such a memorable day and a stunning book to pour over.
A Garden Love Story by Paul Weiland, Belcombe Court
Quickly following on from my dreamy day at Belcombe Court, I dashed to Wales to capture the Bat Conservation garden, designed by Melanie Hicks and funded by Project Giving Back at the Chelsea Flower show this year, it has been relocated to Clydach Primary Care Centre and is now part of a thriving community garden. The sun didn’t shine but the misty rain was welcome and the whole community came out to celebrate all the hard work of the volunteers who have created such a fantastic garden at the Centre.
A detail from the relocated Bat Conservation garden.
September ended on a complete high! My friend Holly Gavin and I did our first workshop together at the Badminton Estate, it was a day filled with flowers and photography. We are so very lucky to have been given free run of the West Wing at Badminton House, The Steward’s room was set up for the arrival of our guests,
Holly had created the most stunning Dutch Master inspired floral arrangement, we introduced ourselves, had coffee and chatted all about photography, smart phones and flowers.
Following on from this we wandered up to the Walled Garden where Ashley the Head Gardener was waiting for us, the guests cut flowers from pretty much anywhere they wished and Holly then did a demonstration in the greenhouse (of dreams).
By this point we were starving, so we headed back to the Dining room for much needed rest and replenishment.
The work began immediately after lunch and floral arrangements were beautifully crafted together. We captured each one and enjoyed studying how different styles are created, I had set up a very dark area in the hall with just a beautiful old oak table edge visible, letting the flowers and foliage speak for themselves. We had such a fantastic group, they were so much fun, the chatter was infectious, falling silent at key moments of concentration. Holly and I were thrilled and now hatching more plans for workshops in 2027, we will be in touch and also welcome suggestions!
Thank you very much if you made it this far! September was so busy and varied, it’s been lovely to share it with you, I’m wondering if ‘A Diary of a Garden Photographer’ is worth continuing… comments welcome.