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.’
Modern Topiary, the Book, at Garden Media Guild
My book about topiary, Modern Topiary, has been mentioned on the Garden Media Guild newsletter…. As the screenshot says, the book can be read for free online here. At the bottom of the screenshot, it looks like another Garden Media Guild member has a book out called ‘A Year In A Cottage Garden’…. so if that is where your garden heart lies, check that out too! And at the top of the screenshot, it looks like I was listening to Pelleas et Melisande, by Debussy. What a classy chap I am, listening to classical music as I reply to emails. …
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 …