THE MODERN MINT BLOG
Finnish Gardens
From our trip to Western Finland last summer to check out some Finnish gardens, the Finnish landscape, and get some garden ideas…
The landscape around you effects the way you behave. Notice how much colour the Finnish people use… symptomatic of the short growing season…
Do we use enough colour in the UK? Or do we not appreciate just how bold we can go? Although a white garden is lovely, we can take lessons from people who like a more vibrant palette – try The Bold and Brilliant Garden
Everything gets recycled and reused, like this spade being used as a shallow surface to grow plants… echoes of Derek Jarman’s Garden
We hope to go back soon, as the Finnish gardens and landscapes we saw last summer were beautiful and inspiring. Don’t forget to check out our trip to Japan either…
And for a real colour boost to your borders – go make use of this sale by clicking the link below!
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 …