THE MODERN MINT BLOG
Why are you running about trying to get your father a present for this Sunday? Don’t work so hard! Get him a ticket to Boys Toys at Hylands Park instead…
Though lower down this post we offer a few other ideas… tools. BBQ stuff. World Cup bunting to decorate your garden… all the cliches. Having said that, some tools are great, like this one Okatsune 217 Hedge Shears
Boys Toys 2014 at Hylands Park in Chelmsford might not seem like Modern Mint’s normal modus operandi – we normally eschew extreme stunts, helicopter flights and monster truck rides for a gentler way of life.
But now and again you need the contrast. So bring on the power!
Starts at 11am, Spitfire MK XI and Hawker Hurricane arrive at 1, they will be worth the entrance fee alone. What are you waiting for? Get your tickets now!
Of course, if that doesn’t do it for you… because your father prefers gardening to cars (or you just can’t make it to Chelmsford…)
Here are a few more ideas for presents this Father’s day:
And now for some tools!
and the best power tools of them all…
Enjoy! Happy shopping!
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 …