Rob Cardillo Photography

Last week, the New York Times commissioned me to photograph Yannick Nézet-Séguin during a rehearsal of Handel’s Messiah with the Philadelphia Orchestra, where he serves as music director. Watching him conduct was pure privilege. He moves like a dancer, channeling the music through his entire body, his passion radiating from every gesture.

After the rehearsal (and a 15-minute portrait session), I watched that night’s performance and returned the following evening as well. The Messiah, which I had once found somewhat tedious and overly repetitive, finally resonated with me, and I’ve been binging it ever since.

Getting the cover of is always a thrill. .llc created this finely textured masterpiece in his backyard and when you’re handed this much beauty, all you really need is to show up at the right time.

Garden Communicators International awarded my book Private Gardens of Philadelphia 3(!) awards this year. My writing partner Nicole Juday took a Silver for her writing, the book itself took another Silver and I received a GOLD for best book photography. Delighted I Am!!!! For all the details see: https://info.gardencomm.org/2025-laurels-media-award-winne

Honored I was Moonlight & Roses gala last Friday eve. Both gardens and guests were looking gorgeous! Thanks to all who came to support me and celebrate Morris. Photos by Peter

Opening day of the ! Sponsored by . The Entry Garden sets in the Gardens of Tomorrow theme in motion. Open everyday until March 9. Come visit!

I’m excited to share that I’m selling my work online, in time for the Holidays! I just opened my first Etsy shop, which has something in it already for you to see — and I’ll be adding a lot more in the coming days — including fine art prints, ornaments, a 2025 calendar, gardening journals, greeting cards — even a lovely, silky scarf printed with my photograph. It’s at CardilloBotanical.etsy.com. Please take a look, share with your friends, and consider my shop when thinking of gifts for the Holidays. Thanks for supporting an artist!

Margaret Roach's The New York Times column today tells a sweet story of a garden-loving couple in Silver Spring MD. Loved hanging with Matt and Elizabeth one gray afternoon in September where we munched on wild sorrel and pawpaw:

A Couple Are Captivated by Nature. They Think You Should Be, Too. They have cataloged natural life online and have developed board games and walking tours to help people deepen their knowledge of the world around them.

Happy belated birthday to Dutch designer Piet Oudolf. I first met Piet on a chilly November morning at the Highline in 2008 before it opened to the public. We ran into each other over the years at New York Botanical Garden where he designed the Seasonal Walkway. Such a chill, gentle and knowledgeable plantsman! Can't wait to see what he does with the new Calder Museum and Gardens in my hometown.

I've challenged myself to make some black and white images in community gardens during my summer travels this year. No, I'm not shooting film (I don't have the patience!) but I do set my camera to monochrome mode and try very, very hard NOT to be seduced by colorful drifts.

Rob Cardillo: Private Gardens of Philadelphia
7 pm Thursday, September 12

Professional garden photographer & Ambler resident, Rob Cardillo Photography will share his creative process by drawing on examples from his extensive body of work, including his latest book Private Gardens of Philadelphia. Book sale & signing too. Co-Hosted with Maple Glen Garden Club

Register - https://ow.ly/tWaW50T450I

Margaret Roach is one of America's finest garden writers. Her website, podcast and NYT's articles are always insightful and thought provoking. I'm honored she chose to focus this week's column on my new book (penned by the equally formidable Nicole Juday Rhoads and published by GibbsSmith).

https://www.nytimes.com/2024/07/17/realestate/conscious-gardening-plants-design.html

Have a read and you'll even get a glimpse of my front yard at the end!

‘Conscious Gardening’: Why Your Garden Needs a Mission Statement Setting a clear intention can improve your design decisions and plant choices — especially if you’re “a nursery grabber” who makes impulse buys at the garden center.