Not many of us relish confrontation, arguments, and in your face events. Gardeners tend to be a peaceful sort of sharing person, so I was rather shocked to have the Dragon turn on me last year at our local community gardens, and I have not returned until lately.
You can read about it here if you like, The good the bad and the wormy.
Last year a friend and I had been strolling through the public community gardens quietly taking a few macro shots with our cameras. It was a beautiful sunny day, and we had stopped to talk to a few gardeners who welcomed us with open hearts.
We had a nice conversation with the gardener whom we will call the Dragon, before she abruptly turned on us. Suddenly accusing us of taking photos in order to help out those who were vandalizing and stealing plants. Nothing could be further from the truth, and her yelling certainly ruined our visit.
It’s a almost pastoral setting, near the water, with so many blooms a photographer’s heart is overflowing. But I had avoided returning in case I ran into her spitting and screaming voice again.
Taking my heart in my hands, my courage on my sleeve, along with a trusty sword [camera] and the knowledge that she did not have the authority to insist we leave, we returned.
All along the outskirts I nervously shot flowers carefully and quietly, worried about that domineering voice that would carry forth. As we got closer to the Dragons Den, [her garden plot] I finally breathed a sigh of relief. The lair was empty! No Dragon. We were safe, and could enjoy the rest of our visit.
And her famous plant that caused all the trouble, the “Maggi” plant was missing. Maybe someone had come and stolen it as she claimed we were going to do, or maybe it had just succumbed to winter kill….who knows.
The Dragon was nothing but a bad worm, and had gone away.
Jen @ Muddy Boot Dreams
now what an interesting tale.. takes all kinds to make this world go round.Bravo for you returning and how wondefully protrayed in words
ReplyDeleteThose poppies are gorgeous. Glad the dragon wasn't there to ruin another day!
ReplyDeleteI remember that post and I often think of it as I go past the local community garden on my way to the coffee shop.
ReplyDeleteI am glad you went back. Stand up to the oppressor, take back the garden path...sorry, I got a little carried away.
I'm glad she was gone so that you could enjoy your visit. When I wrote that I was 'draggy'....I thought of dragon and hoped nobody would think I meant that! lol ♥
ReplyDeleteOh all of the flowers are so beautiful! What gorgeous colors! I am glad that she wasn't there so that you were able to take these great shots!
ReplyDeleteI take it she was a little bit paranoid? LOL! I am glad you were able to enjoy the garden walk this year.
ReplyDeleteSeriously I was kind of worried that we would have a face off again. It was such a sudden turn, that she caught me by surprise.
ReplyDeleteGuess I am just a gardener, not a guarder of the gate.
Jen @ Muddy Boot Dreams
No one needs that while out on a pleasant walk. I'm glad you chanced another visit. Maybe if you gave her a few of your gift cards as thanks for letting you photograph her flowers, she'd better understand that what you're doing respects and honours her efforts. And, you might cool her firey temper, a wee bit. Heck, she might even invite you into her lair for a closer look.
ReplyDeleteCarolynn, very good advice, and I might just take it.
ReplyDeleteBut I must admit that I would still fear being scorched, and eaten alive.
LOL.
Jen @ Muddy Boot Dreams
Until you said the Community Garden has a Flickr site I was feeling a bit edgy about you taking photos of other people's plants if you were then going to post them. I understand that one can feel possessive.
ReplyDeleteIsn't life complicated!
Lucy
Awful that one unhappy person can put such a damper on what sounded like a glorious day. I'm glad to hear that you and your friend ventured back. These kind of people (bullies as far as I am concerned) need to know they do not own the world!!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful pics!!
Beautiful!!
ReplyDeleteCiao Monica
I can understand. I'd be pissed too if someone was stealing my plants but she was definitely wrong to come down on you like that for simply taking photos. Obviously she had other things going on in her life and you were just the last straw. Sad really. I wonder how many other people have had to deal with her wrath. Good for you for going back. You had every right to be there! I hope you'll go back again.
ReplyDeleteAren't you glad that you returned?
ReplyDeleteInteresting Jen. Good for you for going back. Carolyn's advice is perfect!
ReplyDeleteThank goodness she wasn't there. I love the photo of the foxglove peeking over the fence.
ReplyDeleteTaking pictures for the purposes of stealing? what strange logic, or un-logic as is the case. sounds like your bad worm had other concerns that were affecting her state of mind.
ReplyDeleteThose poppies are beautiful! But wow, what an encounter you had with the Dragon. Good for you for returning bravely, with your trusty 'sword' (camera) in hand.
ReplyDelete