THE MODERN MINT BLOG
In the New York Times earlier this year was a lovely interview with Michael Gibson, who makes topiary and gardens in New York.
The article is here but you may not have access… however, search the internet, find it and have a read. It is great!
His philosophy of pruning is especially worth it…
Sacred geometry in topiary? Yes please! What a phrase! I think (and speak) of balance, of major and minor, of leaf volume… but sacred geometry might well make it into my topiary teaching lexicon!
And the idea of directional trimming? I realise I do this, but didnt realise it… that is what elevates a topiary cut so that the facade of your hedge, or topiary, looks so damn tactile!
This is the benefit of coming to topiary from a separate industry – in his case, hairdressing – it opens up a way of thinking and speaking about shaping plants that is a step beyond the traditional thinking about green architecture in garden history.
It is such an art and a craft topiary, and the article with Michael captures that beautifully.
Do read!
And then come back here and take a look at an idea for a Topiary Library…
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 …