My entry in Gardening Gone Wild's Picture This photo contest won an honorable mention! This month's theme was a tough one "Intent of the Gardener" and I thought this photo (from Buffalo's Japanese Garden written about in detail here) illustrated that the intent of the gardener was to invite me to sit on that bench and view the islands in the lake.
This month's judge, Rich Pomerantz, wrote about my image:
The next honorable mention is for Heather’s Garden’s entry, a lovely, quiet view of a Japanese garden through a foreground pine tree over an inviting bench. Even the white sky (usually a deadly sin for me) is nicely used as negative space to silhouette some of the branches. It’s a well balanced composition, and uses the reflections in the water well. The road in the background started to bother me though, keeping it from an award, but just barely.
I can't disagree with Rich, that road bothered me too. In fact, one of the politicians giving a speech at the re-dedication of the garden said he hoped it would be moved soon. I remember that at least one other blogger wrote about how it almost ruined the garden for him. I wouldn't go that far, but it really wasn't ideally situated. Regardless, I enjoyed my visit there and I'm glad Rich liked my photo. I can't wait to see what next month's theme will be!
Congratulations! Very nice pic.
Posted by: Cyndy | July 28, 2010 at 10:01 AM
Congrats on the honorable mention!
Posted by: meemsnyc | July 28, 2010 at 12:30 PM
Congrats!!! :)
Posted by: Blackswampgirl Kim | July 28, 2010 at 12:41 PM
Congratulations! Nicely shot. That road bothers me too, not in your photo, but in real life.
Posted by: Jim/ArtofGardening.org | July 28, 2010 at 01:47 PM
Thanks, everyone. One of my friends left an interesting comment on FB that I thought was worth sharing:
"I don't see the road as a distraction but a reminder that this is an oasis."
Posted by: Heather's Garden | July 28, 2010 at 03:46 PM
Your friend's comment was apt - any 'green' space in this day and age is precious.
Your pic captured an interesting contrast.
Yay Heather!
Posted by: Mummer | July 30, 2010 at 06:22 AM
If you love Japanese gardens, as I do, you should check out the one in North Salem, NY.
Posted by: fern | August 01, 2010 at 07:50 PM
Mom -- You always think the judge should have chosen my photo!
Fern -- I can't imagine what would bring us to North Salem, NY, but if we're there we'll make a point of seeking it out.
Posted by: Heather's Garden | August 03, 2010 at 12:17 AM