THE MODERN MINT BLOG
Amalia Robredo took part in our Chelsea Fringe project at the start of June. Now here is an update, from Uruguay, of her landscape…
Those in the Southern Hemisphere are now in Autumn and heading for Winter. Yet looking at the photo the scene looks warm and inviting. As does the sea…
Looking back over the photos from earlier in June, things don’t appear to have changed. Apart from the Cereus uruguayanus losing its fruits to the birds. Yet, almost imperceptibly, the scene now has a more bleached, paler look. Even the light seems to be changing.
Yes… looking closely, things are different. Quietly different, but different all the same. So what can we learn from that? Well, as Dr Seuss said…
And when things start to happen,
Don’t worry. Don’t stew.
Just go right along.
You’ll start happening too.
That is what we learn from it. Things start to happen. So just go right along.
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 …