THE MODERN MINT BLOG
A common theme between these groups is that they support long term initiatives and developments. We feel this is the best work, and relates to how we want to do things here at Modern Mint – partner up and be generous for the long run.
Have a good look yourself!
The Tree Council
Why not apply to be a tree warden?
Garden Organic
Adopt a vegetable (and annoy a meat loving friend!)
South East Essex Organic Gardeners
Our local (well, local enough) group here in Essex.
And lastly, our absolute favourite…
The 2013 watchlist contained 1 breed of sheep, 5 breeds of cattle, 3 breeds of pig and 4 breeds of horse as critical. A critical listing means less than 300 animals are left.
Google ‘Vaynol cow’ or ‘Eriskay Pony’…
…did you do it?
Did you see those pictures?
Did your heart not melt and/or you break into a smile at how lovely they are?
Go on – support the Rare Breeds Survival Trust. Because these breeds are worth it!
To find out more, buy this book…
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 …