Nurseries & Artisans 2024:
See which fairs each nursery is attending:
Allie Pottinger Watercolours NEW
Di's Glassworks and Smithy NEW
Freckles & Flora NEW
Kura Ilera NEW
Long Acre Plants NEW
Middlemoor NEW
Mintopia NEW
Mr D'Arcy's Heritage Fruit Trees
Pegboarders NEW
The Lavender Pot NEW
Thomasson Farms NEW
Tom's Yard NEW
Under Capricorn NEW
NEW FOR 2024
Si Poole's Mintopia exists as a National Plant Collection of Mentha. The sales of the mints solely support the collection's existence, it's ideals and aims, one of which is to give access to rare and unusual mints that are hard or impossible to source through the usual commercial channels. This is Si's story:
Mintopia: Nurturing nature, Nourishing minds
I found myself entranced by the vast tapestry of botanical intricacies of Mentha, including the labyrinthine Latin names that adorned each species. Mintopia, the fruit of this fascination, emerged as a sanctuary for mint enthusiasts, boasting an impressive array of 195 distinct varieties—a testament to the enduring allure of this humble herb.
As the collection burgeoned, so did my awareness of the importance of biodiversity conservation and sustainable practices. Recognizing the fragility of ecosystems and the vital role that plants play in maintaining ecological balance, I embraced a commitment to fostering biodiversity within Mintopia. Each plant propagated and sold not only sustains the collection but also contributes to the preservation of genetic diversity, safeguarding against the loss of invaluable botanical heritage.
Moreover, Mintopia transcends mere botanical enthusiasm, embodying a holistic ethos of "growing for wellbeing." Rooted in the belief that nature holds the key to human flourishing, this ethos permeates every facet of Mintopia's operations. By cultivating a deeper connection to the natural world, Mintopia endeavors to promote holistic wellbeing, both for individuals and the broader community. This commitment is exemplified through collaborations with schools in Cheshire, where Mintopia serves as a living classroom for eco-pedagogical initiatives.
Through hands-on learning experiences, students are not only introduced to the wonders of plant life but also gain invaluable insights into sustainability, biodiversity conservation, and the interconnectedness of all living things. By nurturing an appreciation for nature's intrinsic value, Mintopia aims to sow the seeds of environmental stewardship in future generations, empowering them to become custodians of our planet's precious resources.
In essence, Mintopia is more than just a collection of mint varieties; it is a living testament to the transformative power of curiosity, sustainability, and eco-pedagogy. As the collection continues to flourish and the seeds of knowledge take root in young minds, Mintopia stands as a beacon of hope for a greener, healthier, and more harmonious future.
2024 event list:
Sun - Mon 25 - 26 August Dorothy Clive Garden Market Drayton TF9 4EU
Contact Si at mintopia.bigcartel.com/