THE MODERN MINT BLOG
South East Essex Organic Gardeners – a fantastic resource for those who have a garden in Essex and want to work it without the use of chemicals.
They play an important role in promoting organic gardening – which includes (for those of you who need a few tips!) composting organic waste, protecting wildlife, reducing pollution and encouraging species diversity.
(This is one of the most popular books on our Amazon book store – a book on organic principles no less! It is a growing movement that more and more people want to be a part of – so click on the image above to get involved to!)
Modern Mint director Darren Lerigo is a member and gets huge enjoyment from the events they run every two months – on July 21st at 8pm, Founder Director of River of Flowers Kathryn Lwin will be talking about growing wildflowers – do come along to 47 Fairfax Drive, SS0 9AG!
The September talk (at the same venue) will be on Natural Beekeeping, presented by a man we met earlier this year, who runs an exceptionally beautiful farm…
We hope to encourage more Essex gardens to adopt organic principles, so if you are interested and would like to know more about organic growing – do use South East Essex Organic Gardeners, or get in touch with us!
And if you want to do a little of your own research, we suggest starting with these books…
(One of the biggest proponents of organic gardening, His Royal Highness…)
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 …
Modern Topiary (The Book) – Message From Lady Clippers, And Others!
My topiary book – Modern Topiary – has recently been put out as a PDF, which can be read for free. (Have a look here to download and read/share it!) Then last week I received a lovely email from Ann Perkowski of Lady Clippers, who are topiary and pruning specialists in New York (Ann is a brilliant pruning teacher too, who teaches at New York Botanical Garden… check out her work and Lady Clippers website.) Hi Darren, I had to write you how much I love reading your Modern Topiary. I’m not sure I’ll ever be quite done with it because I’m …