THE MODERN MINT BLOG
The Design Process
A typical design process will go like this:
Job Specification – we will meet with all the users of the garden on-site and find out what you want, what you need and what potential scope your garden project has.
This is the most important part as it sets out clearly what a succesful project will feel like, and gets us in sync with you right from the start.
Survey – the structural basis of the design work.
Outline Design – initial concepts and ideas are presented, allowing for further discussion and development with you.
Final Design – Detailed plans and specifications are finalised in order to begin the work of constructing and planting your garden.
Construction and Project Management – our craftspeople will come in and make the design happen.
After Care – we will make sure you have all the advice and guidance in place to help your garden grow. We also hope that through the process of designing the garden you will end up a wiser, better informed and more involved garden owner. Now that makes it worthwhile for us!
Modern Topiary, the Book, at Garden Media Guild
My book about topiary, Modern Topiary, has been mentioned on the Garden Media Guild newsletter…. As the screenshot says, the book can be read for free online here. At the bottom of the screenshot, it looks like another Garden Media Guild member has a book out called ‘A Year In A Cottage Garden’…. so if that is where your garden heart lies, check that out too! And at the top of the screenshot, it looks like I was listening to Pelleas et Melisande, by Debussy. What a classy chap I am, listening to classical music as I reply to emails. …
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 …