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I assume you're looking at the 18-55mm lenses that come with basic DSLRs. These cameras will have cropped sensors (in the camera body) as Philip mentioned which means the focal length is essentially double that of a full frame DSLR or old film SLR. So a 18-55mm becomes equivalent to 36-110mm. This will give you a pretty good wide angle with little discernible distortion. For most garden photography I think this would be ideal.
Have a look at http://www.kenrockwell.com/. Some good advice there and he doesn't get carried away with kit you don't need.
18 - 55 willl be fine for what you need - its basically a wide angle to short telephoto zoom, and should cover all likely eventualities for you. The wide end is nowhere near wide enough to get fish eye effects.
The 18mm end of the entry level kit lens is fairly wide and if you're just looking at taking images outside in good light it should be fine. A basic SLR like the Canon 1100d would probably be absolutely suited for this. A cheap tripod would also be a sound investment.
If you want to go wider, as Philip mentions the 10-20/10-22 lenses that are available for Crop Sensor SLR's are probably the most wide angle lenses available without introducing significant distortion. I've used a Canon 10-22 before which returned superb images. If you wanted to keep costs down, this lens can be hired from loads of places - it's very popular!
Brilliant feedback people - thank you very much. I have a Canon 450D Body which is great and produces fantastic shots with the standard lens it came with but I was looking to replicate 'Estate Agent' types of shots where I can capture more of the garden. It sounds like the 10-22 is the best option for me - I'm going online now to hunt down a bargain!
Thanks again all - Phil
I use the basic Nikon 18-55mm lens that comes with the camera for most of my garden shots, - but My photography really improved when I sent myself on a couple of course.
Vicki's photography for bloggers course was fantastic for teaching me about lighting and takes place in a garden.
And West Dean College have the most fantastic surroundings and tutors to learn from about the technical aspects of your camera. - here were the resultsof the course I went on last year with Jacqui Hirst