James’ hobby reveals garden’s dark secrets
AGARDENER at a famous subtropical paradise has produced a series of breathtaking photographs showing the attraction as never seen before.
James Meredew, 31, is the fulltime gardener at the enchanting 26 acre Trebah Gardens at Mawnan Smith, near Falmouth.
Keen photographer and former photography student James has combined his two loves to produce a stunning book showing the gardens at night.
The book features 48 images showing flowers in bloom, lesser-known plants and hidden areas of Trebah.
James, who lives in Falmouth but grew up near Helston, said: “I studied fine art photography at Cardiff University nearly 10 years ago now.
“Since then I have been self-publishing books of my work and having exhibitions with friends a couple times a year.
“Earlier this year I started my own publishing company called Ancient Magic Editions as an outlet to put out mine and my friend’s books and prints that I’m excited about and think should be seen. Print will always be way more engaging than looking at images on phones and screens and it’s been a fun year starting out in publishing.
“Working full time as a gardener at Trebah and publishing books can be very tiring at times. Most days I’m physically pretty tired but try to work on photography projects in some capacity every evening. The Trebah Garden at Night book has combined my interest for plants and photography together and is something I’m very pleased with.”
Throughout 2019 James noted down subjects that might look interesting at night, including flowers which were in bloom, unusual plants and certain areas of the garden.
He added: “Building up this list gave me something to focus on each night, and I soon had a list of photographs to take around with me. This book is a collection of 48 images which have been developed, processed, printed and scanned by me in my darkroom (in my garden shed).
“The book is aimed at being visual experience of what it is like to walk around the garden at night, having been partly guided by things that I noticed during the day.
“Spending my weekdays working at Trebah is something I’m incredibly grateful for, and without this time spent working in the garden, this project wouldn’t have come to fruition.”