I usually photograph gardens in the early morning and late evening – those moments when the sun sits low on the horizon and the landscape reveals its form. I arrive before sunrise, rub factor 50 into my face, and double-check that my cameras are fully prepared. There’s a stillness in the air that hasn’t yet been disturbed by footsteps or voices, and I’m always eager to begin. As I start working, I quickly realise I’m not alone. Songbirds are the first to give themselves away. Their conversations flicker across the garden, more animated than usual – perhaps because of my presence. Soon after, an inquisitive vixen appears. Clearly on her morning rounds, she pauses to inspect me. Don’t squash the Sesleria, I think, as we quietly acknowledge one another. She’s a beautiful creature. I wonder if the feeling is mutual.

Then - a peacock hollers. One hundred decibels of dreadfulness, far too early in the day. Poseur, peculiarity, or evolutionary masterpiece? I train my long lens on him, and he seems to relish the attention. The air is warming now and the light is beginning to do beautiful things. The back door of the house creaks open and a mildly inquisitive dachshund trots towards me. His name is Frankie, and he's right up for a photo-shoot.

The sun climbs higher. A gaggle of geese arrives from the pond, and off to my left, a large roe deer is quietly working its way through some fallen cooking apples. It’s nearly time to down tools and go in search of breakfast. The kind of quiet pause that often punctuates a day spent as a landscape garden photographer.

Later, in the afternoon, I pick up my cameras and return to the task in hand. The western light brings different elements of the garden into relief, revealing new vistas and plant combinations. The garden hums with pollinators - summer is in full swing. This is where garden design photography comes into its own, capturing not just the space but how it lives and breathes. I pause, just for a moment, to take it all in.

As dusk approaches, my work is almost done. The weather has been kind, offering long stretches of sunshine - a gift for any location photographer. The fox has retreated to the woodland edge, no doubt resting after an action-packed day.

I’m rather looking forward to doing the same.