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?!!?
Michael Gibson, New York Topiary Art!
In the New York Times earlier this year was a lovely interview with Michael Gibson, who makes topiary and gardens in New York. The article is here but you may not have access… however, search the internet, find it and have a read. It is great! His philosophy of pruning is especially worth it… Sacred geometry in topiary? Yes please! What a phrase! I think (and speak) of balance, of major and minor, of leaf volume… but sacred geometry might well make it into my topiary teaching lexicon! And the idea of directional trimming? I realise I do this, but …
Topiary Library
I do a lot of teaching topiary. I had the opportunity from my mentor, Charlotte Molesworth, to work on her garden and experiment and test techniques and generally try making shapes without the worry of failure, or being fired, or being sued and run out of business for getting it wrong. This opportunity was essential (along with Charlotte’s insistance that pruning standards had to be high!) in becoming better at topiary. When I look around the world at our cultural vitamins, what we see in the media day in and day out, I see the stupidest and grossest of people …
Clipsham Yew Tree Avenue
With Chris Poole of the European Boxwood and Topiary Society we visited Clipsham Yew Tree Avenue in Rutland. Do you know it? Amazing place! Chris and I were teaching a topiary workshop in order to give local people the skills and technique, and tenacity! to help with the pruning of the avenue and elevate it to something even more special than it already is. Read more about the workshops here. We hope to run a further workshop in September 2026, as well as teach an advanced course too. Check the teaching page through the year as it will be updated …