Imagine standing at the grocery store and perusing the fall magazines while waiting in line to check out. You spy your Potting Shed on the cover of your favorite garden magazine. . .*gasp*
But wait. . .that’s not exactly your Potting Shed.
That’s what happened to me with the Fall 2018 issue of Country Gardens Magazine.
Country Gardens has been a long time favorite magazine.
I enjoy digging through the back issues for DIYs and weekend gardener projects.
Flower arrangement inspiration that is always in bloom. . .
And articles on garden collectibles.
When we built my Potting Shed, the early spring 2012 issue of Country Gardens Magazine provided the inspiration for the front exterior.
Rewind to November 2015, when I had a photo shoot for Better Homes and Gardens special publication, Halloween Tricks & Treats Magazine.
My Potting Shed was a last-minute addition as Ann Blevins, Senior Editor Better Homes and Gardens Special Interest Media, recently found my blog and was going to be in the area to shoot a kids’ Halloween party for the issue.
It was a lot of spooky fun, but also work styling and hauling pumpkins, pots of mums and setting up tablescapes.
While I’m all for photo editing. . . adjusting the exposure, boosting the color, cropping etc., in my naiveté, I was shocked at how manipulated the photo was for a cover of a magazine. The shutters were removed, door altered, wreath photoshopped in. They however neglected to remove the Halloween ‘creepy cloth’ that was draped over the pumpkins on both sides of the photo as you can see where the arrows are.
The top tips Country Gardens Magazine gives as theirs on page 93 are my tips, as I had no stylist for this photo shoot, but you won’t find me given credit for them in this issue.
Country Gardens Magazine is under the Better Homes and Gardens Magazine umbrella. When I emailed CG’s editor, Susan Appleget Hurst, about this photoshopped cover of my shed, I was told, “I am aware that the shed was featured in BHG Halloween Tricks and Treats—the editor is my colleague, and has an office down the hall from me. Since we produce many specialized issues that reach only a specific market niche, it’s possible to share content across titles.”
I understand that, but with the cover so manipulated, it makes me question all those beautiful covers and sheds I’ve seen on past CG issues. . . are they fake too?
Thank you for letting me vent this morning. I’ve been blogging since 2010 and prefer to use my blog as a creative outlet, to be positive, sharing my Potting Shed, tablesettings, recipes, puppies or “pretty” photos.
I’ve been stewing over this magazine cover since it hit the newstands in August. I was on the fence about sharing this, but I had someone email me last week about what they thought was my shed on the cover. It was time for me to share it and then let it go.
Update 12/18:
Thank you to everyone for your encouraging words about my photoshopped Potting Shed in the fall issue of Country Gardens Magazine. To use a boating analogy, seeing my shed and work in the magazine without any recognition, and on the cover no less, took the wind right out of my sails. Your support and kind comments made me feel so much better.
I never had any response from CG magazine other than my initial email from the editor saying, “I’m sorry you’re so disappointed about the photo.”
On a more positive note, my blogging friends and I return this week for another edition of Floral Friday!
I believe there should be a “correction”
in the next issue giving you correct for styling.
I would be very disappointed if I was you!
Love your blog and your creativity.
Ruth
Not correct but Credit for styling.
It’s a darn shame. It’s a lack of respect that seems to be permeating the entire country these days!
Maren, I totally agree with you.
Hi Mary: Congrats on your shed being on the cover and having your tips featured inside. I understand your frustration. They should have shown you the final edited project before they used your image. That is normally how it works. Perhaps you can reach out to them and ask them to insert a correction in their next issue and mention your name so you get credit for the tips and for being the shed owner. Unfortunately, just about everything we see from magazines covers, to TV shows, movies, even people, are all photoshopped and manipulated. Yes they are all fake. In our society beauty sells. I hope they give you the credit you deserve.
Oh my, I can understand your frustration and disappointment! :( *sigh*
Love, love, love all you do and share. Your photos are a breath of fresh air in my otherwise stressful life!
That’s terrible! Not only should they issue a correction, they owe you an apology for not notifying you in advance. It also makes me wonder about all the “beautiful” photos they’ve printed over the years that probably don’t exist.
Mary, so sorry to hear this…I feel so badly for you! I have noticed in the past that the BHG publications across the board do “share content.” I decided long ago that I really am not interested in paying them for the same article spread over their multiple publications so they can make more $$$. Seems dishonest, somehow, but I am aware of other well-intentioned bloggers and artists having had similar, and even worse, experiences with BHG. Thanks for venting!
Amen!! I too have noticed that over years of re-reading my own magazine articles, there are soooo many instances of repeating the exact photos, etc. These publications are relative expensive (for a pronounced hoarder of these things) and to purchase a ‘new’ issue only to find ‘old’ content is exasperating. Recently I have begun to rip out pics that I admire for future reference and tossing the rest of the magazines. I also stand at the magazine aisle and look at the entire thing before purchasing anything new. So many times I have found reprints with new stories, I refuse to purchase. Do they think we are stupid? Probably.
Thank you for speaking up publicly.
Deb
Mary, I share your disappointment/unhappiness at the underhanded photoshop. HOWEVER !! no one can photoshop and come close to the charm and beauty of your creations !!! THANK YOU FOR THE PLEASURE YOU BRING DAILY!!!!
I am so glad that you vented about this shocking news, Mary! I can’t believe that your favorite magazine would do this to you by using your potting shed(photo shopped) and your ideas without any recognition to YOU. What a shock it must’ve been for you. We appreciate and love you, Mary, for all your creativity, and inspiration. xx
That’s so frustrating. I love your blog, it’s always so beautiful!
Mary, I subscribe to Country Gardens Magazine and when I received my new issue a few weeks back, I immediately recognized your shed, but thought it looked a little “strange”. Pulled up your blog and found they had photoshopped the picture. Makes me sad that they would do that especially after you used one of their issues as inspiration for your shed!!! Shame on them!!!
Yes, at minimum, you deserve to be given credit along with an acknowledged apology. I had a friend enter a high end hotel to discover their carpeting was a knock off of one of her prize-winning quilts. A large settlement was made for the intellectual theft, which they could not deny. And a family member just discovered last night their entire online photos had been taken by some unknown party. We wonder where we will see them. Many feel entitled to steal and plagiarize and give incredibly lame justifications on their behalf. I believe a publisher should be contacted rather than just talking to the girls down the hall. I am so very sorry this happened to you. Companies should require ethical protocol and employees. People deserve credit for what they do, not from what they take from others.
Mary, that is just wrong on every level. I am with you, how many covers have been altered and are fake. Disappointed that this publication is so underhanded. I am so sorry.
That is sad to think they photo shop and steal other peoples ideas. When I see these pictures I wish I could see it in person. Huh! As always love your shed and your beautiful fall arrangements. At least you know you have great design sense that they want to emulate.
I agree with Ruth. You should be given credit the styling. To tell the truth when I saw the August issued I wondered if that was your shed, but saw nothing about you when I looked through the magazine/ Feel free to vent any time….you do such beautiful work and styling is hard work. Prayers that cool weather will soon be coming your way. Here we’re having cool nights and warm days…I so love fall; it’s my all time favorite season.
Mary, you put so much effort and creativity into your blog, and your homestead. It is practically criminal for a magazine to alter any aspect of your work without your knowledge and permission. You are the ONLY blog I subscribe to and that is because you are so authentic and honest. It’s a darn shame this happened, and I hope they issue an apology next month as well as give you credit where it is due!
I’m glad you mentioned this – it opens our eyes even wider. And for the record, I MUCH rather prefer your shed with it’s peeling shutters, aged appeal and use of natural elements than the perfectly painted door and silk flower arrangement they inserted for a cover. Shame on them!
Hi Mary, I don’t understand why everyone wants to change everything for their own good! Everything I see from you is beautiful! Thanks for sharing with us all! Linda
Well, they sure missed the boat—since your REAL shed is far more gorgeous at any time of year—-than the crop-dusted hot-mess they posted. Shame on BHG…. Creative license with a photo in their possession is one thing—but not giving credit or at least a note—–is another.
Thank-you for sharing—I know how disturbed I would be. hugs, and loving YOUR shed always!
Mary – you are such an inspiration to us all. It is unfair that “fake news” reaches out its ugly tentacles from politics to also corrupt what we all enjoy so much – your ideas and creativity. You have a perfect right to vent, and I hope they do the right thing by you in the future. However, I wouldn’t hold my breath.
You know, I saw that magazine on the new stand and thought it was yours, but it wasn’t. Aha – but it really WAS yours! :)
This is just NOT RIGHT! It’s one of the things I noticed in art classes at a VA community college…..you photoshop something and it’s ART! Use a digital drawing and throw water colors on it and you’ve just painted a beautiful piece of art….. just not the “real” thing to me! I’m disappointed to think the magazine photoshops to get a cover. Replace the door? Really??! And I haven’t even ragged on them for not at least a one sentence note of appreciation/recognition to you….of course, I think they owed you a call asking permission first.
I would recognize your potting shed anywhere! It’s the kind that gardening dreams are made of. I love all of the little touches you have using regular items (like a ladder and old garden tools).
I am sorry this happened this way. You certainly should have been given credit for your beautiful design. Hugs!
Please don’t quit your blog site. I am always amazed how stunning your creations are! Plus, sweet pet pictures are a wonderful bonus. I agree that you deserve an apology in the publication plus another chance to share in one of their
magazines. I understand how shocked you are. It is almost as though someone took your research in paper
form and “turned it in ” as their own for a grade.
Mary, I agree with all of the above…so wrong. At the bare minimum they should have reached out so you were aware and given credit for the tips. I can only imagine how you you felt spying it in the grocery store and were blindsided…SHAME ON CG & BHG!!!!
I agree with the others, the magazine should have surely given you credit for your “tips” as well as notified you that they wanted to alter the photo of your darling potting shed for their cover. I, for one, am SO tired of “fake news” and this is one more instance of it. Shame on BHG for their shoddy practices!
On a more positive note, I love your blog and your photos, though I don’t always comment. I’m in the North GA mountains, and I’m beyond ready for fall weather, too. One day soon, we hope…
I’m cancelling my subscription to Better Homes & Gardens!
You definitely deserve the credit. I enjoy your blog and styling so much. Keep it coming.
I still hope you will publish your “own” book with all your beautiful ideas and creations.
I am SOOOO Pissed for you, Mary!!! That is just not right! I am going to find their address & or phone number so that I can express my disgust at this underhanded plagiarism! Shame on them!!
Thank you for all your lovely inspiration over the years. You do not deserve to have your hard work…and I KNOW it is a lot of hard work …stolen from you.
They owe you a correction with FULL CREDIT & an admission that they STOLE your work!
Fuming!!!
Mary, I’m so disillusioned right now, I can only imagine how you feel. CG used to be my favorite garden magazine too before hearing this. Looking at it now, I can see that the cover looks a little fake with the overly saturated color and there is something not quite right about the wreath and door. Thank you for venting, they should be ashamed of themselves!!
No words (at least no nice ones). I did wonder when I saw that cover, but decided it must not be yours since it wasn’t mentioned.
Good Morning Mary, I saw the magazine on the new stand at the grocery store and thought it was your Potting Shed but also thought it looked odd. Your shed is much more interesting than the airbrushed image on the cover and it is a shame today’s culture is such that credit is not given when it is due and airbrushing is the name of the game. I too am very disappointed with the editors of Country Gardens Magazine. Your blog is far better and more interesting than any magazine I subscribe to. Thank you for your creative ideas and inspiration.
Mary, I don’t subscribe to Country Gardens but have picked it up from time to time in the spring or summer. I’m so sorry to hear this happened. I noticed the fall issue says it’s the Annual Gardens Awards Issue….Really? They get an award for bad judgement and bad taste!
I’ve also seen photos from your blog in other e-mails from BHG and recognized them as YOURS! I received one yesterday titled ‘Holidays & Celebrations; Long Lasting Halloween Decorations’ and saw your witches shoes and it was fun knowing you created it. I am really disappointed in the photo manipulations. It just feels wrong in so many ways.
Years ago I had a friend whohad her home photographed for Country Living Magazine.
When they came to take photos they completely restyled her home and even brought items to do it with.
She was heart broken.
When the magazine came out I could not even recognize that it was her home.
Till this day she regrets ever letting them do that.
But photo shopping you shed to me feels point blank like being taken and your ideas stolen.
I have never trusted any magazines photos since my friends experience.
Not to mention I keep seeing some of the same photos used over and over again, and they expect us as consumers to pay the 15.00 to purchase it.
Also printed on the cheapest paper possible that the print is seen from the other side.
Sorry for you for this experience.
This really touched a nerve with me.
This is SO WRONG for them to alter your shed without asking!! Especially since your real shed looks better than what they are showing! Someone needs some very good answers on this!!!! I always look thru magazines before I purchase because I have seen same pictures in another magazine. Also seen where they use same room but chop up the room to spread thru several pages to help fill out magazine! Unfortunately A lot of stuff gets photoshopped! Love your blog and She Shed!! You are very talented!
Excuse my French, but that just plain sucks. they should be ashamed of themselves. I won’t be buying any more BH&G…….
Journalistic integrity is missing across all platforms these days. So sorry you experienced this. P.S. I love your blog and have followed you for years!
I think their “photoshopped” cover is a pale imitation of your original. They may feel that they “own” your material, but you should still be given credit for it in each publication in which it appears. I have also stopped buying most magazines because of duplicate coverage from past publications. This is just another example of the fact that magazines are failing to attract the readership from the past. They no longer have the money to create new material and projects for their publications. My local Target recently completed a renovation, and the section for specialty magazines was deleted. They now only have a few magazines at the checkout lanes. People are turning to Pinterest and individual blogs for their inspiration.
Well, this just really stinks! I would be stewin’ too!
I guess they don’t mind burning bridges behind them. They obviously felt that if they made alterations to photos of your shed then it wasn’t exactly the same as yours anymore and therefore gave them the right to publish it. It’s sad that they couldn’t have taken the time to let you know they were going to do this but obviously they knew you’d object so they cower behind their “legal protection” aspect. It does make you wonder how many photos we are shown in magazines like this that have also been altered to do the same thing. So disappointing- but now they are exposed thanks to your blog and this FB posting.
WOW!!!
Mary, Does the magazine make you sign away intellectual property rights and stipulate that they may edit without approval? Not at least giving you credit seems improper and definitely makes me think twice about the integrity of the magazine
Oh my word, this is so not right. I am so sorry for you. What an insult.
To use your efforts without credit is not right. I guess it might be considered a “backhanded” compliment that what you gave them was so much better than what they could come up with themselves. I’d be tempted to go on social media and expose the magazine for what they have done. I always love looking at your work and am always in awe of your talent.
Mary, I’m just so sorry this happened to you. Your beautiful potting shed and all the inspiring and creative ideas you share are such a treat. I love your blog so much!
I stopped subscribing to magazines years ago. So much repetition in all of them not to mention 80% ads. If I’m interested, I just pick one up at the store now. I did receive Country Gardens, but didn’t renew last year. I’m shocked they would pull such a thing. Of course, this day and time, why should we be shocked? I’m so tired of online photoshopping, but didn’t realized that many of the beautiful photos in magazines were probably fake, too!
Please continue to blog and show us all your beautiful pictures. You inspire all of us. Your fan base is loyal and very supportive.
I totally agree with all of your, well deserved, fans! I just recently found your blog (was thrilled) and then I saw the magazine at the grocery store, and wondered if that was your potting shed. I rarely buy magazines off the shelf, and didn’t explore any further. Now I know! You should have the credit, sorry about your experience.
Country Gardens Magazine has always been my favorite but now I’m so disappointed in them! I love my potting shed and could only imagine the betrayed feeling I would have if that had happened to me. To me it is sneaky and deceiving. They should have collaborated with you on this at the least, especially since you have worked with them before. I feel like the editor’s comments had no compassion and were just going through the motions so to speak. Mary, Country Gardens cannot take away the way you build, create, decorate, love and display your potting shed. People, including me, know your true Potting Shed and incredible talent for decorating and sharing it with us…..no magazine can take away all the wonderful mornings with coffee or evenings with a glass of wine as we enjoy every inch of your blog and the pages that unfold before us with such beauty, inspiration, excitement and a contentment that only your followers can explain. Thank you Mary for all the enjoyment you’ve brought us with your blog! Shame on Country Gardens!
I am so sorry that this happened to you. I love your blog and it has been a favorite since you began. Perhaps all of us who love you should write letters to BHG telling them how unhappy we are for their plagiarism. Love your Blog. Keep up the beautiful work.
I completely understand your gasping when you’d noticed your shed on the cover, with “creative license” applied and removed, without prior consent. It’s heartbreaking, in so many ways, to see and witness this lazy borrowing occurring often and without conscience.
True story: good friend had designed a place setting, napkins, banners, and invitations for a very special party. Paid to have them all printed. Posted the party pictures on their blog. Fast forward to our shopping in the big “T“ chain store and we gasped, “in unison” seeing her designs there, and they were being sold on the very things she had personally designed, paid for. Now that body of work was LIFTED from her blog, without concent, permission, lisencing, etc., and being sold for profit without credit, among other things.
Sadly, this short cutting and uncredited recreation happens far too often nowadays. So, given what you’ve been through, I’d break up with them, too. Thank you for sharing your experiences. It does prepare others for that which may happen to them. Look ahead to better things and keep being, creating, and sharing with the integrity we know you have, and you’ve always shown.
I love your shed… it has always been my favorite.. just like everything else you do.. like you I can’t tell you how long I have subscribed to the magazine… but not to correct this and give credit where credit is due… I can easily go to another magazine.. sorry this has happened to you… I would be so mad.. for us we just keep coming to your wonderful ideas.. recipes and pictures..
That WAS very interesting! Kinda crummy, if you ask me and now I wonder how photoshopped are other photos, too! Maybe they have the same 10 tiny sheds and just keep ‘adjusting’ them. BUT I love seeing all your photos and the pup. For years now, it’s brightened my day when you make a new post and it inspires me to think, “I can do this” and “well, let’s not stop there” when I decorate for seasons and holidays – SO, THANK YOU!
That was very underhanded, no matter what Meredith’s claim. Looks like stealing to me. I have read BHG from the days of Burton Hillis, and each year now I think I wont subscribe since the magazine has gone so far downhill. Meredith has grown huge, and I guess they no longer care about being good neighbors. I am going to cancel my BHG sub today, and keep enjoying your blog. It is better content, and honest!
I have been following your delightful blog for several years. It always feel like I’m receiving a gift from you and brings me so much joy. I seldom comment, but always read your posts. Today, I just want to add my voice to the multitude and say that this was an unacceptable action by the magazine. The Potting Shed is perfectly perfect, no photoshopping was needed…much less, wanted. I once suggested that you consider editing your own magazine and you should. Do not allow this injustice to change a thing on your blog. Continue to be yourself, and do not allow any magazine to dictate how that is done. “Be yourself. No one can say you are doing it wrong.” – Charles M. Schulz. Thank-you!
Dear Mary, Please keep blogging. We love your blogs and will continue to trust what you post on them. It was so underhanded, and I can barely believe they had the nerve to try to rationalize their behaviour in the way they did. Unethical!!!
Dear Mary, thank you for venting, I was educated by this! It is hard to understand how this is considered legal. I am truly sorry for their misrepresentation of your creativity and labors. It hurts one’s heart that this was done to you, as you always share such beauty and joy so graciously. I can’t tell you how much you have made so many of my days happy and positive. Thank you Mary, God bless you…
Hi Mary,
I am disappointed to learn of the unauthorized and
severely edited image of your beautiful shed, not to mention the use of your tips without being given credit. The right thing to do would have been for them to contact you and ask permission on both counts. Sadly our society is increasingly erring on
the side of dishonesty and an attitude of “say or do whatever you want to get whatever you want”.
Our world’s morality is sliding rapidly in a very wrong direction.
For what it is worth, your blog, and your sharing your creativity, photos and recipes have been a real source of joy and inspiration for me for years. Better Homes and Gardens couldn’t do it anywhere near as well as you have, thus their need to steal and mis-represent. I have never been a fan of their publications and prefer to get inspiration from genuinely talented individuals such as yourself. Their watered down, copycat, dishonest corporate conglomerate can go jump in the Lake! 😉
Keep creating and inspiring us Mary, please!
I’m sure sad this fun ,exciting experience turned out so negative for you As a floral designer, wedding and events coordinator, I make my own Vingenttes and work extremely hard with my creatives juices telling me just where to put this and that until my heart says yes that’s it. I can’t imagine that feeling of disappointment I completely enjoy the beauty you create. Thank you
I love your shed. Why on earth would they change a thing? Very disappointing.
Dear Mary, Thank you for your beautiful, uplifting and authentic posts. When I saw that magazine cover I thought it looked suspiciously familiar; and now you have confirmed my questioning thoughts. Better Homes & Gardens magazine has been a beloved staple throughout my 60 plus years of life; first as a child in my parent’s home and later as I honed my own homemaking skills. Because of this I personally feel betrayed by their actions toward you and perhaps the countless others who have been victimized by their unscrupulous behavior. I do not care if it is ‘the manner in which things are done’ these days. It is wrong to take other’s hard work and claim it as one’s own; no matter how big or mighty or “Better” you think you are. I’m so sorry this happened to you, and in turn to all of us.
When we are gifted as you are and some one takes the credit for our work, it hurts. And so what’s kind of funny is that I am canceling most of my magazines because I get all the inspiration I need or can use from your post and many others and it doesn’t cost me a dime. What’s more you thank us for taking the time to read your posts and commenting. The magazines don’t care what we think. A lot of time is taken in producing your post at your own expense, I appreciate it and thank you.
I’m so sorry about this. I don’t know enough about the publishing & blogging worlds to understand if their explanation is legit but I don’t understand how they can use your ideas/tips & not give you credit for those. Photos are one thing but text seems totally different. They PAY writers. Your fans love & support you! Keep up the great work!
I fell out of love with my fave magazine for years after I saw a Photoshopped picture in an article. It was Victoria magazine, a few years back, and they were doing Beatrix Potter’s home in England. Right off, the picture seemed odd to me. Upon closer evaluation it was obvious that they had used the same clumps of shrubbery and trees twice in the same image! They just stuck this rather large bit in repeatedly in the same picture and yes, I felt a bit cheated, also, the picture looked a mess, tropical, actually. I would much prefer realism. Digital photography, in itself, leaves a lot to be desired when shooting outdoors. Magazines owned by the same mother company do share, but they shouldn’t be altering the pics to that extent. They edited out the best parts of your shed.~
WHOA!!!!!….now that’s not right….I know that the publishers share their photos to even other magazines…as you can see the same feature over and over in different publications…but photoshop?….and then not give you credit for your tips?!!…that is disappointing!….Sorry this happened to you Mary!
The only change I can see them making is to take POT out of the picture, which they did. Why do anything else?
I’m sure somewhere in the blah blah legal language, their corporate cousins can use each other photos. Butttt, to give you no credit, beyond the pale.
My favorite blog!
i love your creativity and weekly inspiration! They should have asked permission from you and given you credit, not surprising that they did this but very disappointed in their lack of integrity. I would vent too!
I don’t blame you at all. I prefer your pictures anyway. Does your shed have a front and back door? Is that what I’m seeing?
Thank Susan, Yes there’s a front and back door. The back is what was on the cover.
Oh Mary, I can’t believe what they did to you and your shed. I think it’s right up there with thievery. That’s just not right. If I subscribed to that magazine, I’d cancel my subscription. You have ever right to be mad. I’m with ya girl and I’m glad you vented.
I’m sorry they’ve upset you with the photo editing Mary. I’ve said to you many times, I fully understand and appreciate all of the work you put into your blog. I worked with a girl who’s hubby renovated their bathroom on a strict budget, a popular renovation magazine came out for the photo shoot and (just like mentioned above) brought all of their own props. Totally redecorated…
On to the fun stuff, I’m lovin’ that intense pop of purple from the kale in the pumpkin planter:@)
Mary, This was not right at all! They should issue an apology and give you credit for your work: pictures and words. Badly done Country Gardens Magazine, Badly done!
Hello Mary.
I too bought that magazine & thought the “shed” looked very familiar. Doesn’t seem right that they can photoshop pictures & use your ideas as their own. Your so entitled to vent.
Love your blog! Thanks for sharing all your creativity with us!
You have every right in the world to be angry! You have incredible talent, and for them to “borrow” that, and let others assume that it’s their creativity is just WRONG. Country Gardens has always been one of my favorite magazines, but I will certainly look at them differently now. Rest assured your blog is the best, and your talent is incredible! So great that others have to “snitch” your ideas!!! lol
I’m so sorry this happened to you. They should be required to give you credit, snd should have notified you beforehand. I love you and your blog. Your creativity knows no bounds! Something I wish I could aspire to.
Mary you have every right to be upset and disappointed. Your blog is wonderful .One of the best.
Marilyn,Joan and Marion
You have every right to be upset! If this was a term paper, wouldn’t it be plagiarism?
I gave up magazines several years ago when I realized that I was seeing the very same article that I have in issue #? from several years ago! (I kept every issue for years!) And that the designers just kept moving the throw or lamp or table or flower/shrub to a different space. Knowing that the homeowner didn’t do that.
I want a shed like your someday. Love all the work you put into your blog.
Mary, This just stinks. Please know that your creative energy and talents are so appreciated by your followers. Shame on BHG and Country Gardens!
Crazy how vulnerable we become when we use social media. Boundaries were definitely overstepped.
I got that magazine and I even commented on your blog a couple of weeks ago how I had seen your shed on the magazine cover. I did notice the tools in the roof line didn’t seem to match what I knew of your shed. I never dreamed that it was used without your permission. Although I did look throughout the magazine to see if you were mentioned. I never even found a reference to “on the cover” anywhere.
I just want to tell you how much I look forward to your blogs. Your creations are fabulous as well as the photographs. I especially love seeing the pups and your gorgeous lakeside landscape. YOUR sweet potting shed is the best!!
I’ve read various bloggers’ experiences with having their posts and photos “stolen” by other bloggers, but this is the first I’ve read about a publication manipulating and sharing photos and ideas without proper credit given. Thank you for deciding to share, as your experience may benefit someone else. You know that your potting shed/garden is the perfect dream of so many of your loyal readers. I love seeing your creative changes (and fur babies) through the seasons, and I am in awe of your creativity and resourcefulness. You are reaching an often quiet but appreciative audience. Thank you.
Sorry this happened to you – if it is any consulation I will not buy that magazine any more. Your pictures are so lovely & enjoy them so much. Thank you!!!
I hope you know, your “blogging family” is hear to listen to any venting when and/or if needed. Have a great day and please continue to do what you do best, your blog!
I can see that you have a lot of support here and I’m glad. The shed looked better the way you had it styled and they should have left it that way. They should definitely give you credit and lead people to your blog. I don’t know anything about contracts or how those things work when a magazine shoots your home but regardless of how they share things, they should give you credit. I’m pretty sure Janet Coons would say they should pay you too.
OMG Mary, I am so shocked and upset that this has happened! I can’t think of enough adjectives to describe this incredible violation of private property! I have smoke coming out of my ears I promise you!! I have noticed how magazine issues under the same corporate umbrella “borrow” or “reshare” things from other issues, but photoshopping someone else’s photo is like stealing and is definitely fraud. I hope they notice a huge drop in sales now, because I know all your loving followers are as shocked and horrified as I am! Yes, it does make you wonder now what is real. I am so sorry, you are much too good of a person to be taken advantage of…I am so glad you shared and can only hope it helps you feel better. So shocking!
Jenna
I am appalled and horrified by their complete disregard to you, your creativity and most certainly your amazing talent.
I will NEVER BUY THAT MAGAZINE AGAIN..no and I hope they one day realize how sad it is that they cannot come up with their own ideas!!
Please know your blog is an inspiration to so many of us, as well as complete joy. I am sorry that there are thoughtless, careless people in this world.
Mary, I recognized your shed too. I had no idea you didn’t know they were going to use it. I would have been VERY upset … I love your blog and look forward to your posts! I read this post out loud to my husband.
I understand your feeling of violation. Your heart has always been in the right spot. I also understand the joy it has given you to have generously shared with all of us. Not that it is in any consolation, but your readers share your pain. The magic is your to share when & where you want to. What was done was totally wrong. First of all, they should have talked to you. Secondly, they should give credit to your artistry [even after the fact ]& an apology. And lastly, made certain that this type of thing does not happen again.
Please use only JoAnn G. Thank you!
Take solace in knowing that you have more loyal readers than BHG. Your creativity, ingenuity and hard work are to be admired. I never miss your posts. They have the ability to transport me to a beautiful, idyllic garden or sit at a gorgeous table. You are appreciated by all of us.
Mary, not to give you credit is terrible and photoshoping your shed without your permission is appalling. Taking credit for someone else’s work is cheating no matter the legalese. Using the same material over and over is why magazines will soon be a thing of the past. You have every right to feel upset and all your devoted readers are upset for you.
This is so upsetting and disappointing. Was one of my favorite magazines. Makes me think twice about buying it. You deserve the recognition.
Good for you for venting. I am with you. Your eyes ideas are incredible and so is your garden shed I like it about a million times more than the one that they shot or photo shot. You are my new happy place each day your ideas are so incredible keep them coming. Thank you for sharing your creativity
This just seems so sneaky and underhanded. I saw this issue and thought the shed had a familiar look. Your work is so inspiring. Always beautiful. You should have been given credit for the designs. I will definitely check the publishers listed on any magazines I purchase in the future. It was disappointing enough to discover articles and photos being shared between issues after buying them. The special publications are not inexpensive! Very disheartening.
First of all…I am so happy that I stumbled onto your blog several years ago! It’s the only one I read and have shared it with many friends. I also appreciate the many tips and recipes you have shared (and always credited to the right source!) and use them often. I am proud of you for using this format to vent; the least they should do is a correction and credit. Hoping that the above comments provide you some comfort and I know that when I get bent out of shape, venting is sometimes the best cure…that and a good cocktail! (One of your lovely seasonal ones of course!) Please don’t stop…I love your blog!
Wow! How underhanded and just plain WRONG on every level. I hope all those above me who said they were stopping their subscriptions, will tell the company why. It really is like stealing. It is your shed, your ideas, your creativity and not to give you credit is stealing. We love you Mary, you bring joy and inspiration to all of us. We know the hard work you put in to each and every post and it is so appreciated. You are our “go to” lady for special recipes, gardening fun, potting shed creativity, beautiful tablescapes, relaxing lake views and envious pontoon time, not forgetting our love for the precious fur-babies! How spoiled are we! Take heart, we will always know your work / creativity and look forward to each and every post. Hugs to you!♥️ p.s. I hope you print all of our comments and send them to the BHG editor to let her know we don’t appreciate this type of underhanded “non” work her colleague pulled.
How wretched! but I’m so glad that you can put it behind you too. Your blog is so very inspiring and brings so much pleasure, especially to me in this far away corner of Australia (even-though our seasons are back to front) Thank you for the joy you bring.
Mary I’m afraid people today (as well as publications) feel they have the right to use photos any way the choose, especially those off the internet. As an artist I have found people are under the impression if they change a photo a nominal percentage they can copy or plagiarize your work, ideas or photos. This is simply not true with US copyright laws. Your work (tips), design and blog are inspirational and the editor showed a egregious lack of respect not giving credit where credit was due.
BHG & all their affliate magazines should be given to you for life at the bare minimum since they didn’t give you any credit; it’s the least they could do! You work too hard to be ripped off! As a subscriber of your blog I am so upset @ the underhanded way you were treated! Please vent, we all support you! I no longer buy magazines due to all the ads & recycled ideas. Mary you have a devoted following & just please know we appreciate & love your hard work & devotion to your blog! Clara
So sorry this happened to you.Your original photo of your shed should not have been altered without your knowledge and permission. Ethics is in short supply these days. When my subscription to Good Housekeeping comes up for renewal,
I will cancel and let them know why.
The only consolation for this situation is that you retain the imagination and talent to create beauty. No one can “borrow” that from you. Technology is not a substitute for creativity. I enjoy your blog and learn from your photo essays. Thank you!
I like your version better….their version is kinda blah. And I agree with others, they should issue a correction giving you the credit you totally deserve.
Everyone has said what needed to be said in support of you and your creativity. WE LOVE YOU! I subscribed to Country Gardens when you had mentioned it on your blog before; I will not be renewing.
Taking license with your creativity is getting pretty low! I’m not surprised though seeing as there are many that think they are above doing right…
A side note: yours is much better…they need to take lessons in creativity from you…keep on keeping on! Cooler weather is on the way here today and probably your way tomorrow…and we will breathe a sigh of relief..AHHHH!! 👍🏻❤️🎃
I don’t blame you for being upset. No one should have the right to take your creative genius, make a tweek here and there with photo shop and call it there own. I understand that being an umbrella company the probably have the rights to your photos, but being a publication that is supposed to be about finding and creating these fabulous gems should not be relying on photo shopping other people’s work and then not giving any credit to the original creator – wouldn’t that be a form of plagiarism? We love your beautiful style and creative mind!! Don’t let them get your down!!! Sending you a virtual hug!!!💕💕
I was in the line at Lowe’s the other day and saw this magazine! I thought it was your shed but definitely not as pretty with everything removed! I’m sorry this has happened to you as this is one of my favorite magazines also! I thing they should retract and let everyone know it is your shed!!!! Give credit where credit is due!
I cancelled BH&G several years ago…too much advertising, too many “stolen from bloggers” pictures , too many stories about the same things, and about things that I firmly do NOT believe in. I am so sorry that this has happened to you. I don’t comment much, but I truly enjoy your blog when I get an opportunity to drop by!!
Blessings to you,
J
Mary,
I saw this magazine in the store, and thought it looked like your shed. I rarely buy that magazine anymore. (You have to watch out on those BH&G recipe magazines, too. A lot of times, they are just reprints of ones they have already put out. And, they are very expensive to find out that you already bought those recipes!) Most people are naive, or don’t realize, that most all of these magazine spreads are semi-fake, photoshopped, staged, or really tweaked. I follow another blog and it showed that the magazine company sent hundreds of boxes of staging decor and even bought them bushes and plants to plant in the front of their house before shooting!
Anyway, you must read and understand the fine print of the agreement when you let any magazine come and shoot your place for a spread. It probably says something like they reserve the right to use your photos anywhere and anytime they want, with no credit to you. I did not even enter any of my original cakes or pies into our State Fair this week, because they said the original recipe would belong to the flour/sugar company sponsor to use as they please, with no compensation to me! Well, NO thanks!
So sorry they even attempted to use your tips as their own, but they probably considered them their property now, especially if they paid you. I agree that it doesn’t seem fair, but that is the way it is done. They could have at least let you know they were using it on a cover, so that you didn’t have to be shocked to see it on the stand at the grocery store! Thank you for sharing this with us. It is good for you to vent. Your blog is positive nearly 100% of the time, and a total of 100% would not be realistic, LOL! ;) You will be wiser for the future now, I guess. You are so talented, Mary! I love your blog, and it brings me so much joy. Thank you for that. God Bless You, Tina
I understand exactly how you feel, it happened with my beach house too, once they take pics they do whatever they want, wherever they want with zero contact back… it made me unhappy but then I realized I own it, it’s my house, I am not going to fret over photos, I have the real thing! It is irksome when you dwell on it… sorry you got caught up in their web.
I am sorry this happened. It happened to me with my stock tank pool. I found it used on Pinterest but was being posted by other shady sites and I was not given credit or provided a link back to my blog which should be standard and customary. One of the sites was a prominent website supporting a well known magazine in Canada. I emailed them but never received a response. I think it’s done much more than we know and we just don’t catch them like you did. They should absolutely give you credit and they owe you an apology.
Just for you Mary, I like your potting shed the BEST anyway. Thanks for All you share, you make me smile and enjoy life a little more.
If it’s any consolation your shed looks way better than the photo shop shed. When people come in my store looking for rustic items for their she sheds I always refer them to your blog for inspiration. I haven’t bought a magazine in years thanks to blogs like yours. Keep up the good work.
That is theft of intellectual property. I hope your post goes viral and Country Gardens chooses to make this right with you. I’m sending my cancellation with a letter to the editor. I love to look at their beautiful articles but what they have done is wrong.
I love your blog. It is always a feast for the eyes. I would be so upset if it happened to me.
All your readers know absolutely that there is nothing fake about your darling shed. I.noticed that the shed on the front of Country Gardens magazine looked a little like yours but had no idea they photoshopped yours. I would be so disappointed if I were you. They were certainly taking credit for all of your hard work/ I love your blog and have gotten so many great ideas for my garden shed from yours. You are an inspiration. Your garden shed looks so much better than the one on the magazine. Keep being an inspiration to us all.
I saw that cover and thought it looked familiar. They should have given credit where credit was due. Period. I love your blog. It’s a instant smile for me each time I read it. You are a very talented gardener and your tablescapes are stunning. 🍁
This is my first time posting a comment. I found your blog about a year ago while exploring Pinterest I was looking for some creative inspiration for holiday tablesetting. I don’t remember which one I found first, I think it might have been the one with the Pier 1 chalkboard Christmas plates. I was marveling at the colors, textures, balance,and overall beauty. I was pinning pictures on Pinterest like crazy thinking that there were all these amazing creative ladies, then I started noticing that there were certain similarities, like a lake in the background, or this small potting table for 2 looking out a window. I dug a little deeper and found myself on Home is Where the Boat is. This is where my jaw really dropped as I made the realization that this was not several ladies, but one uber creative genius of table design. I have been back to your blog on many occasions to seek inspiration. I am now a frequent customer at Home Goods, I am an admirer of the beauty you design, It brings me happiness everytime I visit your blog.
I have been following most of the decorating, cooking and gardening magazines for years and the blogging community from the very beginning. I am appalled how many times I have seen bloggers’ ideas ripped off time after time by many of these publications. The repurposing of a picture of your garden shed using Photoshop is really disgusting. I think you did the right thing by writing about this: I’m very sorry it happened. I love reading your blog.
Hi Mary – what ended up happening about this? Did they publish a correction or try to “make good”? Looks like a lot of people were supporting you & likely are curious, too, as to how it all shook out. I sure hope they did the right thing…
If Country Gardens publication makes money i.e. your creation, your potting shed and puts it on the cover, especially the cover and then verbatim uses your ideas you should be credited and paid. This is a lack of integrity and abuse of creative license on their part. The ‘sharing content’ answer was very understandable but it’s unacceptable for them to not give credit where credit is deserved when they are making money off of doing so. They would not have a magazine without the gardens, charming sheds and ideas that are harvested from gardens such as yours, Mary.
I have frequently not released photos of my pollinator gardens and shed publicly in that they might be stolen in this way and used without permission. Hopefully, BHG corrects this error on their part. I am grateful you posted this. I don’t believe blogs should be all the pretty and not the real also.
I would rather read your beautiful blog any day of the week! Thank you for the inspiration and the creativity you share with all of us!
Rest assured, I won’t be buying ANY of their publications! And I will be telling everyone I know about their underhanded theft of your tips! It also makes me so angry that they Photoshopped your beautiful shed with their ugly ideas!!!
I just stumbled upon this article and am appalled at the cavalier attitude of the magazine toward using all of your ideas without giving you an ounce of credit and then not to follow up by doing so! By now I’m sure you have moved on, but feel you did the right thing as have your followers, by hitting them where it’ll hurt the most- in their pocketbook! Shame on them because you know what is said about karma!!
I just came across this post Mary. I am shocked! Thank you for sharing this with us. I am sorry you didn’t receive credit. Your “art” is some of the best out there in the decor and gardening world and I am happy to be able to access your authentic content via your blog posts.
Obviously, you don’t need one more comment , but I’d be thrilled to see you share these comments with those editors and their magazines. As high school students we were ALL taught that you MUST document any quotes or work of another author(artist). (My son has failed students for not doing so.) Is this not a form of plagiarism? I’m sure this is not soothing to you, and I am sorry, but it seems that every day we see a loosening of rules (manners) by those who consider themselves richer or more important than the rest of us.
Thank you for sharing the truth, love your blog.I am disappointed to hear they did this to you. Katie
WELL Mary, I just now read this – many years later. And I am absolutely shocked. I am not as upset about the manipulated photo as I am about ZERO recognition. That’s illegal, isn’t it???? WOW. And yes, I’d say then and worse now – with AI – we cannot even believe the truth of a photo unless we took it and/or was there to see. WOW. Shame on them.