A special thanks to Amy for hosting this week’s LAPC challenge. Her beautiful post highlights some of her favorite gardens in various spots around the world.
Last week, we took a little road trip with friends to Boothbay Harbor, Maine. Given Amy’s theme, our first stop was the Coastal Maine Botanic Gardens. It’s early in the season, but even up north the first blooms were already on display. Here you can see the tulips and daffodils.
But we were in for a surprise. As we walked along the garden path, we met an astounding creature …
This giant troll was created by the Danish artist Thomas Dambo, who lives and works in Copenhagen. His massive creatures are made from recycled wood and “live” in various locations around the world. They are designed to delight us and teach us about the forest and its marvelous biodiversity.
Here, you can see Dambo’s attention to detail in his work and the variety of wood he uses in each troll sculpture. But as it turned out, the best was yet to come….
A gardener, who was raking the soil nearby, told us that more trolls were hidden in the gardens and invited us to find them. So, we started on our quest. On our way, we passed unusual and beautiful flowers.
At last we found the next troll with a bushy beard and eyebrows fashioned out of twigs.
We continued walking past a fountain and more blooms….
And then, deep in the woods, we found another troll in a playful mood. He was peeking out at us from behind a tree….
And then, after walking some more, we found another troll, almost hidden in a copse of trees. He was smiling down at us, his arms extended for a hug.
Thomas Dambo calls himself a “recycled art activist.” In the 7 years since the inception of his giant trolls project, he has created dozens of creatures, which are living in parks, green spaces and woods in Florida, Chicago, South Korea, China, Denmark, and Puerto Rico and other locations around the world. His purpose is clear.
He tells us that his giant trolls are guardians of ten secret seeds, vital to preserving the forest’s biodiversity for future generations. He invites us to listen to them and learn their secrets– like saving seeds and planting trees and reducing waste. His trolls also teach us (“the little people”) that humans are interconnected and we rely on each other for our survival.
If you want to read more about Dambo and his fascinating work, click www.trollmap.com.
Now that we’ve emerged from the forest, I’ll end this post with my heartfelt thanks for your exuberant, creative, and delightful responses to our “Focusing on the Details” challenge. Your posts gave us wonderful glimpses of the intricacies in nature (lichen, flowers, insects, trees, animals), in architecture, in sculpture…Fabulous!
We hope you join us this week for Amy’s Gardens challenge. Next week, it’s Ann-Christine’s turn, so be sure to visit her site next Saturday at noon. Until then, have a wonderful creative week and please stay safe.
Categories: Lens-Artists Photo Challenge, Photography
A fabulous troll walk thanks Patti 🙂 🙂
Hi, Brian. They were wonderful creatures! We were so surprised and delighted to find them. Glad you liked them, too. I wonder if they’re visiting Oz??
Thank you, Patti for introducing these trolls. The artist sent powerful, important message to us through recycling material. Lovely spring flowers.
Hi, Amy. I’m delighted that we could visit the gardens in time for your challenge this week! Thanks so much for your comments. It’s true Dambo’s message is very powerful and important. It was a great experience to see his creative works in the garden. Enjoy the week!
Those trolls are amazing, I’m so glad you found them all and shared them with us 😀 I love the idea that he is using recycled wood in such a creative way to produce something that is fun while also carrying an important message.
Thomas Dambo reminds me of an artist we visited in WA who uses recycled metal and sometimes wood to create sculptures. I have him lined up for a future post – watch this space!
Hi, Sarah. Great! I’d like to see the artist’s works. Glad you’ll be posting about him. And yes, it was a great thing–to see Dambo’s works. It was a great surprise, too! The exhibit doesn’t officially start until the end of May, so we were lucky. Thanks again for your thoughtful comments, as always.
What a wonderful garden. Thanks for introducing me to the work of Thomas Dambo. The sculptures are wonderful, and the thinking behind them is so very forward looking.
Hi, IJ. Very true! He’s very forward-thinking and his work delivers an important message. I really enjoyed the sculptures. Glad you did, too! Thanks as always for stopping by. Take care and I hope the situation in your area is improving.
Beautiful gardens, Patti! But those trolls are remarkable, what a talent and indeed a surprise to find them living in the gardens.
So true, Terri. We were so surprised and delighted to see them! It was a real treat and fun trying to find them! Glad you enjoyed them, too.
Love the trolls and the artistic way it’s done.
Still I find difficult to understand the role of trolls in gardening.
Scandinavian myths talk about trolls being ugly giants dangerous and evil by disposition or do they bring good luck?
Curious to know.
Enjoyed your narration
Thank you.
Hi, PTP. I thought the same thing. But these giant trolls are kind creatures with very different personalities! It is interesting that he chose to use trolls instead of other creatures in mythology. I’ll have to read more about him to figure out why. Glad you enjoyed this one!
Yes Pattimoed.
Trolls in Gardens……there must be some deep message
Yes..😀
Wow, I didn’t know there were trolls in Maine too. There’s one here in Colorado that we’ve seen and we had a similar reaction to yours… it’s such a neat concept.
Hi, Diana. That’s very cool! You saw them, too! It is such a neat concept. I really enjoyed them! Thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts.
Such fascinating sculptures, Patti!
Hi, Sandy. They’re fun “creatures,” aren’t they? Glad you like them!
Definitely.
What amazing troll art you found Patti and photographed beautifully. They each have distinct personalities. Wonderful post.
Thank you so much, Anne! I’m delighted you like them. We were so happy that the exhibit was open when we were there. We were lucky!
Absolutely fabulous! We’ve been to Boothbay Harbor but not to the garden. Now, it’s on my list, for sure. Love Dambo’s trolls as well as the flora and fauna. A great post on a beautiful place to visit.
Wonderful, Rusha. Now B.B. Harbor is officially on your list. The trolls were marvelous! I’m not sure how long they’ll be “living” in the woods in Maine, but hopefully, you’ll get to see them. And thanks too for your kind words. We were lucky to “catch” them!
You’re right. On my list. We had hoped to get to Maine this fall, but my husband may have to have surgery. We’ll just have to wait and see.
I hope your husband doesn’t need surgery!
Thanks, but it may be inevitable.
Those wood creatures are something else 😀 😀 This is a very cool post.
Hi, Cee. Very cool creatures, indeed!! I love how each one has a different personality. So creative! Thanks as always for your comments/reaction/visit.😀
What fun Patti!!! Loved the trolls and can just imagine you two strolling thru the beautiful flowers looking for them. What perfect timing for Amy’s challenge. I’d venture a guess no one else will be featuring trolls this week 😊. Fantastic!
Your post made me laugh. Yes, I think you’re right. No one else will be posting this week about giant trolls!! We enjoyed the gardens so much. Glad you like them, too! Be on the lookout for them…maybe they’ll turn up in your area, too!!
A fascinating addition to a garden, and coupled with a search to be sure you don’t miss any of them. Great post!
I’m delighted, John. It was so much fun. I loved the artist’s talent and message and the search for the trolls. It was great fun and a great message, too! Thanks so much for your kind words.
The garden looks lovely and the trolls are amazing, even if a couple are a bit creepy.
Hi, MM. Let me say that I’m happy I didn’t meet them in the woods in the middle of the night!! But after all, looks (and size) are deceiving and can conceal wisdom and a generous heart!! Thanks for your thoughts!
Wonderfully put:)
Yay! A troll walk! 🙂 🙂 I did look at the map and there aren’t any in Portugal 🙁 🙁 Great discovery, Patti 🙂 🙂
I hope the trolls take a walk to your part of the world, Jo. 😀. They are so wonderfully creative and carry an important message. So glad you enjoyed our troll walk!!
Loved it. I’ve finally seen trolls in the woods. Thank you!
Yes, you’ve seen the trolls. Who knew I’d find them in Maine!! I’m delighted you enjoyed our troll walk!
Cool sculptures, Patti! I liked the beard on the second one. Great textures on all his sculptures.
Hi, Siobhan. I agree. Great textures. The hair is also live trees. I loved that!
Trolls and Giant ones at that! They are amazing and I have never seen anything like them before. Thanks for introducing them so well Patti!
Me, too. It was a total surprise. I didn’t think trolls were friendly, but they were!! Thanks for your kind words.
It’s always a delight to find something other than plants to see in a garden I think. Sculptures or even trolls! Beautiful photos Patti.
Glad you enjoyed this one, Jude. This was a first–friendly trolls. The lighting was tricky, but I’m glad the images came out OK. Thanks, as always, for your thoughts!!
Whoa – those are garden gnomes!
Um…are gnomes usually small? But not as small as sprites?? Trolls are usually big, aren’t they? Um….I’ve got to check now!!
I was just being funny. Most people here put gnomes in their gardens, these are definitely trolls. Unexpected and fun.
Ah yes, garden gnomes..😀
A special garden with some bonus trolls on your walk.
Hi, Teresa. Yes, definitely a wonderful bonus! We were so lucky to see them. 😀
I can see why the trolls were a surprise, Patti, but they really are a lot of fun. The gardens look and sound so enjoyable. We visited the Boyce Thompson Arboretum on Saturday with my brother and his wife. It’s a gem in the desert and we had so much fun.
janet
They are a lot of fun, Janet. We felt like we were on a treasure hunt. The arboretum sounds like a great idea for our next trip to AZ. I loved the desert gardens there. Enjoy the week!
This has to be the most delightful and whimsical post ever . The trolls were a huge success and absolutely brilliant! Glad to discover something new , Patti.
Hi, Sheetal. I’m so happy you enjoyed it!! They are brilliant creations, aren’t they? I am going to read more about Dambo’s work. I took a quick glance at his other trolls. Each one has a completely different look/personality. 😀
Thought only Dwarfs guards the gardens…here in Germany, little dwarfs are common to see.I love the concept behind the creation of these Trolls. You´re lucky to be able to see them.I enjoyed your walks and storytelling. Thank you for sharing this.
Hi, JBD. Thank you! I’m delighted you enjoyed this. Yes, dwarfs are more common. We don’t have any local myths about them (as far as I know). Our fairytales come from Europe–like the brother’s Grimm. Thanks again for your kind words and enjoy the week.
What a fascinating place, Patti! And well done Dambo
I totally agree, Sue. His work is brilliant!
😊😊
Splendid trolls. Always good to raise a smile when the message is an important one.
So true, Margaret. If people can smile as they hear an important message, I think it has a greater chance of “sticking” with us! Great point. I’m glad you enjoyed them!
A very funny idea creating these trolls 👍
😀. Yes. Definitely! It was a lot of fun finding them.
I believe you about that 🙂
Brilliant, Patti! I’d have so much fun trying to find them all. This time Amy managed to lure me out of my laziness with this lovely theme and I’m taking part in Lens-Artists PC for the first time since last June. Hope you’re well.
Hi Manja. Wow! It’s wonderful to hear from you. I’m so glad you stopped by and are taking part again in the challenges. I’ve been thinking about you! I’m glad that you’re back!
This is really good to hear, thank you so much! I don’t know if I’ll be a regular again, I’ll see as we go. I’m being fed again by the beauty and wisdom on other people’s blogs and this is lovely. All well to you!
Yes, same to you, Manja.
Hi Patti –Your photos and commentary about Thomas Danbo’s trolls in the Coastal Maine Botanic Gardens imparted a wonderful sense of whimsy and joy. Thanks for taking us all along as you explored!
My own ”garden” for this challenge is one of my favorite spots at the lake here:
https://babsjeheron.wordpress.com/2021/05/11/beautiful-great-blue-heron-and-an-unusual-boat-garden/
Best, Babsje
Beautiful image and post, Babsje! I’m delighted you enjoyed my post, too.😀
Thanks so much Patti. I enjoyed your Thomas Danbo trolls very much. 😊
This is awesome! I took my girlfriend, mother, and family there for Sunday’s Mother’s day. It was a great day. We shoot film. 🙂
Hi, Nick. Wasn’t it great?? I’m glad you saw it, too, and can remember it on video! Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts, here. Glad you stopped by!!
Well, you really made me feel at home, Patti, as most trolls live in Sweden and the other Nordic countries. And recycled! Good message and a fun post!
Hi, A-C. That’s right! These trolls are created by a Dane, but migrate out to the world!! I’m delighted you like them and the message from Dambo. Take care. Thinking of you.
♥
very cool place, the balance with scenery and art of the trolls : )
Hi, chatting! Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing your thoughts. I agree. It was a great balance between art and the gardens. I appreciate hearing from you!
Garden time-my favorite time https://lisaseverydaylife.com/2021/05/14/lens-artists-photo-challenge-147-gardens/
Hi, Lisa. I’m glad you joined us and shared your thoughts and images!
A great walk with wonderful captures.
Hi, Rupali. Many thanks!! It was a wonderful surprise to see the trolls. We totally enjoyed them! I’m glad you stopped by, too.
Oh my gosh, Patti, what fun! Each troll had it’s own personality. What a great message in addition to all the artistic ability.
Isn’t it so much fun, Marsha? I loved them! Thanks so much for taking a look!
I can imagine how much fun you had taking all their pictures. And they posed so nicely. That’s the most statues I think I’ve ever seen in a park like that. We went to the Trees of Mystery around Klamath, in norther California. We saw some cool statues there, but their story wasn’t as compelling as the one you just told. 🙂