THE MODERN MINT BLOG
Yesterday I put out the book – Modern Topiary – that I have spent the last six years writing.
Download for free a pdf of Modern Topiary here.
And what seems amazing to me, is that not only have people actually been reading it, but then responding to it. So below are a number of comments I have been sent from those who read it last night, and this morning….
“Brilliant read, exactly the right amount of info to take in and digest.” Rachel, a gardener
“I love your book, the advice is so straightforward and your writing is so fresh and light-hearted!” Sally, keen gardener, Australia
“Just finished reading – absolutely brilliant!” Camilla (she shared with me lots she highlighted)
“This is, and I mean this as praise, a very unusual book. It’s specific enough to be used as a “how-to” guide by an aspiring topiary artist, yet general enoughto be picked up by a non-gardener, and enjoyed for the structure, style and joy of language and ideas. It offers technical advice, while also being abstract enough that many of its lessons could be applied to other creative disciplines such as writing, painting, directing etc.” Philip, non-gardener!
“There’s a lot of useful information!” Elizabeth, a gardener
“I’m using it like a Bible.” Tim, a tree surgeon
“Love the illustrations!” Hannah, garden designer
“Fascinating and practical read.” Paul, keen home gardener
And the below, from Liam. A former teacher…
Haha I love that! He did also say…
“For me, who doesn’t have any real knowledge of gardening, it placed me in a calm state of mind. I could honestly feel how you must feel when you lose yourself in the work. The book highlights the artistic, and is brilliantly accessible.”
“I loved the book, to the point and very insistent on the act of creation, truly what anyone would need when setting off.” Bernt, gardener (in Norway!)
“Your book is stuffed with useful tips.” Elizabeth, editor of Topiarius magazine
For free, download Modern Topiary on this page and read it for yourself. Whether a gardener, or just someone with a passing interest…
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 …