This afternoon horticulturist Peggy Combs called me. “There’s a guy out in the compost pile taking pictures,” she said. “He might be good to talk to for the blog.”

Hmmm. That did sound interesting. The fact that it is sunny and 70 degrees outside in early January was also a compelling reason to get out of the office. (And I’ve always wanted to use that silly title above.)

If you’ve visited the Garden, you’ve probably never seen the compost pile – and there’s a reason for that! But beauty is in the eye of the beholder and I was curious to find out the appeal of heaping mounds of dead plants.

Turns out the photographer, Michael Peterson, didn’t initially start out to shoot in the compost pile. But that’s where I found him, his camera in hand.

Michael (of Greensboro, NC) had been to Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden for the first time last night for GardenFest of Lights, courtesy of his friends Mia and Rob. He decided to come back today and was trying to get a photo of the Conservatory. A different kind of shot.

“I like to get off the beaten path” he explained. “Thousands of people probably have an image of [the Conservatory] from a particular view, but I wanted something different.” That’s what led him around to the back of the property and the compost pile.

“When I saw it, I thought it was a treasure trove,” he said. “I was drawn to the shapes and the colors.” One hundred and forty seven images later, he was still there taking photos.

Michael shared that he has trained himself to stop and take a look around when he is photographing. “There may be another reason to look at the space.” It’s a philosophy he uses in his work as a teambuilding facilitator as well. “I’m asked to help a team find light and meaning within the team; likewise, I use photography to try to find light and meaning.” If you’re interested in his website, visit http://www.unlimitedoutcomes.com

An you may want to consider that idea of taking a second look around you. I did (in the compost pile!) below: 

Beth Monroe is public relations director at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden.

What an interesting perspective...incredible how what we know as a sharp annoying “gumball” usually met with screams as we step on it in our yard in bare feet...in Michael’s photo takes on a soft, shadowy, particularly lovely point of view....next time I will put my shoes on...and step more gently.

Michael has a way of changing people’s perspectives...through his art and his endeavors.  It is a joy to work with him.

His work is amazing! He would be great for the paper and the garden.  I hope someone is finding out how to hire this guy!

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