THE MODERN MINT BLOG
Meet Stefano
Stefano works with us at Modern Mint, designing gardens with Darren (who, incidentally, also does garden talks) and turning his hand to just about anything the business needs in terms of logos, prints, signs and artwork.
He joined us at the end of 2014 and fit in magnificently, his positivity and quick thinking an exciting asset to a new company like ours. He also makes an incredible tiramisu (he is Italian, after all) and a fantastic pizza dough – after too many strong espressos we often float around the idea that we should open a Modern Mint pizzeria too…. they really are that good!
To celebrate Stefano and the skills he brings to Modern Mint we decided to set him a challenge – to illustrate 99 Flowers in 99 days.
Which flowers and what style is completely up to him – what we wanted to see was a body of work created by an artisan, that when viewed together turned out to have extraordinary weight and depth. Is that a lot to put on someone, do you think? It could possibly be, but our man Stefano took up the challenge and so, we invite you to please take a little time to view and enjoy the 99 Flowers project by Stefano of Modern Mint.
For more of these amazing drawings, and to see how the style evolves throughout the 99 days, visit 99 Flowers by Stefano on Pinterest and Facebook.
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 …