This is the set-up I used to photograph the Morning Glory in the critique gallery. The ladder is 12 feet high, and the camera is a foot or so higher. Fortunately, it's a very sturdy tripod.
The picture is a scan from a 35 mm color neg on badly outdated film, converted to B&W for better clarity, and meant only to be illustrative.
Might it not be easier to pluck the sucker and place it in a waiting stage to be shot wilth minimal hassel and far greater control? Heck of an effort and a nice image none the less.
Probably, but what's the challenge in that?
Besides, one reason I didn't was that I had NO space to try a static set up.
the other... the gardener would have been p*ssed!