THE MODERN MINT BLOG
Yesterday we wrote about Boys Toys in Chelmsford, today we want to expand on that… with a few more manly tools…
Tripod ladders are a must – light to carry and get you right into the hedge, reducing the danger of over-stretching. Which you’re liable to do, if not at the start, then when you get tired and want to finish the hedge quickly…
These are not a bad way to start, cut beautifully and feel good in the hand…
Thinning shears or ‘dainty pruners’, these are useful for accurate cutting. Or getting the salad leaves in to go with the BBQ…
Dad’s love barbeques… apparently. So buy him this. Although if you do have money to spend…
… we suggest these shears. Oh! They are so beautiful to use!
So beautiful to use, we end up clipping more than we should. (Not on your garden) but in our own…
The larger version, for extra reach and tougher woody hedges, are also great. Little tip: you don’t always have to hold them at the ends either…
The best blade?
The best saw? (But good golly be careful!!!)
And if you don’t want to use your own power… if you just love petrol and oil and all those power tools… those Boys Toys… then here you are. Wear earplugs. Eh? WEAR EARPLUGS!
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 …