THE MODERN MINT BLOG
I have visited two new clubs this week to present a garden talk. They were in different parts of the country and so a lot of driving, but worth every hour sat on the motorway in traffic!
The talks went well and I have had some lovely feedback…
“Thank you so much for providing a presentation which was an almost impossible mix of enthusiasm, joy, entertainment, education and inspiration.
They say that laughter is the best medicine and there was certainly plenty of that, and everyone left with a smile on their face, but just as important is that it helps those bits of new knowledge slip in and take root as well.”
Rosie, Welwyn Garden City Gardening Club
When I first started doing the talks to clubs 4 years ago I was a nervous wreck beforehand, wanting it to go well and be entertaining as much as informative. If people are kind enough to give up an evening to listen to you, they must get something in return right?
I still get nervous, but have worked hard and spent time and money trying to improve my presentation skills, so that I can do as clear and light a talk to a group as I can. To get these skills I have worked with Logan Murray, who taught stand-up comedians Rhod Gilbert and Greg Davies, as well as John Gordillo who directed the likes of Reginald D Hunter (this video of him contains swearing), Ross Noble, Dylan Moran, Sean Lock and Eddie Izzard.
“We all thought your talk was superb last night; you are undoubtedly our best speaker. I think it was your calm manner that put me at ease, and for once, I was able to be a spectator, and enjoy the evening too.
We will definitely invite you again and I’ll bear in mind contacting you first if a speaker drops out, rather than heading straight to the Sloe Gin cupboard.”
Sheila, Bishopstone Garden Club
Though I will say there is nothing wrong with a visit to the sloe gin cupboard!
Please do take a look at this page – Garden Club Speaker – for details about my talks. I am happy to travel and do my utmost to make the evening as good as possible for your club.
Start of the Whitby Topiary Library
I have been offered a space here in the centre of Whitby, south-facing aspect, with some raised beds in, so that I can make a Topiary Library. In my head, a topiary library is a place to showcase the common (and then not so common) shapes you can make out of topiary. With classical topiary plants, as well as some more unusual pieces. This Topiary Library can act as a reference for people to learn more about pruning and clipping. The space is small but the aspect is great and the beds are deep enough to put some plants in. …
Delivery After Dark – From the Makers of The Amelia Project
Last week I spent most nights stood in cold water streams on the moors of North Yorkshire, helping to film a new project called Delivery After Dark from the makers of the Amelia Project. I worked on the Amelia Project back at the end of 2024, lending my terrible vocal talents to a small part in the episode Didius Julianus. But this project is something new – and exciting! – and thankfully only needed me to be filmed, rather than to actually say anything. But not only did I have to stand in cold moving water at midnight, I also …
Modern Topiary (The Book) – Message From Lady Clippers, And Others!
My topiary book – Modern Topiary – has recently been put out as a PDF, which can be read for free. (Have a look here to download and read/share it!) Then last week I received a lovely email from Ann Perkowski of Lady Clippers, who are topiary and pruning specialists in New York (Ann is a brilliant pruning teacher too, who teaches at New York Botanical Garden… check out her work and Lady Clippers website.) Hi Darren, I had to write you how much I love reading your Modern Topiary. I’m not sure I’ll ever be quite done with it because I’m …