THE MODERN MINT BLOG
Note: SOLD!
We have a copy of the book ‘The Barn Garden’ by Tom Stuart Smith here, for sale.
It has some great review on Amazon and is his own account, with photos, of how he came to make his own garden. No ‘blousy’ peonies or kniphofias (although there was a time he had them in his borders) because he wanted a garden that belonged to the landscape.
He writes beautifully and often leaves the reader with tantalising notes on certain plants – like keeping the plants that come from tough, dry environments in nature free of additional fertiliser. A lean diet benefits their growth!
The photos of the corten tanks that were originally a part of his Chelsea Flower Garden, against the Iris that bloom so bright and delightfully, are a wonder and really make me think about the way I garden. To up my game, to be bolder and use plants that can sometimes be a little harder to grow, or to establish, or to thrive, but not let the put me off and work smarter to make them bloom.
Because when they do they are a true delight!
Amazon are selling copies of the book, 2 copies, used, for £75.
Or brand new from £297!
We would like to offer it to you for £45. That way you can read it, sell it on and get some of your money back… or, keep it and enjoy the inspiration you can get from Tom Stuart-Smith’s ‘The Barn Garden: Making a Place.’
Michael Gibson, New York Topiary Art!
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 …
Topiary Library
I do a lot of teaching topiary. I had the opportunity from my mentor, Charlotte Molesworth, to work on her garden and experiment and test techniques and generally try making shapes without the worry of failure, or being fired, or being sued and run out of business for getting it wrong. This opportunity was essential (along with Charlotte’s insistance that pruning standards had to be high!) in becoming better at topiary. When I look around the world at our cultural vitamins, what we see in the media day in and day out, I see the stupidest and grossest of people …
Clipsham Yew Tree Avenue
With Chris Poole of the European Boxwood and Topiary Society we visited Clipsham Yew Tree Avenue in Rutland. Do you know it? Amazing place! Chris and I were teaching a topiary workshop in order to give local people the skills and technique, and tenacity! to help with the pruning of the avenue and elevate it to something even more special than it already is. Read more about the workshops here. We hope to run a further workshop in September 2026, as well as teach an advanced course too. Check the teaching page through the year as it will be updated …