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…
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!