THE MODERN MINT BLOG
Niwaki, the book on pruning by the brilliant Jake Hobson, is now available second hand from Modern Mint.
We have 2 copies here and it has been our bible for years (alongside the brilliant mentorship of Charlotte Molesworth) helping us clip and shear and chop most of the days of summer, for the last far too many years.
It gives great background information on where the word ‘Niwaki’ comes from, then takes you through the different techniques for pruning different trees. The subtlety needed for pine pruning and the incredibly tough pruning you might want to try on an acer, for the most vibrant of autumn colour.
Amazon are selling copies for £13.83 used.
We are selling our second hand copy here for £7.50. That way, you get the information you need at a great price, and can happily give the book away or sell it on and get your money back when you are done with it. The spreading of information, just what the internet was about, right?!!?
Topiary, The Art Garden at The Henderson
The Art Garden at The Henderson in Hong-Kong has now opened to the public. I joined the project last March, to work with Gillespies Landscape Architects on the topiary that had been designed for the Art Garden, which gives a calm, green space below the extraordinary Henderson skyscraper designed by Zaha Hadid Architects. The garden has been designed with butterflies in mind, so lots of nectar plants, and has other art projects and installations within its footprint. The history of the site is interesting too – it was originally the first cricket ground in Hong-Kong! So still a green space….! …
ClipFest 2025
On Sunday June 22nd there will be Clipfest 2025 at Ichi-Coo Park in Surrey. It is a celebration of all things pruning and topiary, and I will be there in my capacity of teacher at the European Boxwood and Topiary Society to demonstrate tool cleaning and sharpening, and how to clip. Tickets can be found here on Eventbrite. We are hoping for great weather and to see lots of keen pruners getting their shears out and joining us at this amazing garden! And for more on topiary…
Secateur Holders
A present arrived from Norway today, from a student who visited last February to work with Chris Poole and I on learning topiary. His new hobby – a beautiful and neatly stitched secateur holder. Thrilled with this! The holder will save me keep losing my secatuers too…! Thank you Bernt! It was the same student who introduced me to the APA with whom I am doing a talk at the end of March. Tickets can be bought here for ‘Defining The Essence – Aesthetic Pruning in the Garden’. Do join the European Boxwood and Topiary Society for that!