We are delighted to be able to offer this rare opportunity for a very special Study Day with internationally renowned and award-winning landscape designer, Arne Maynard, at his home Allt y bela, near Usk in Monmouthshire.
Originally a fifteenth century cruck-framed farmhouse with a seventeenth century Renaissance tower, Allt y bela sits in a beautiful, almost-secret valley, surrounded by rolling hills. Arne has created an atmospheric garden around the house which respects the architecture and enhances the sense of place, and which blends seamlessly into the wider landscape. More recently Arne and his partner William have acquired the ancient farmland surrounding Allt y bela, some of which has never been tilled, and have begun the process of sustainable land management to restore its wildflower seedbank and carefully manage the woodlands for maximum biodiversity benefit. It is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest.
We will meet at Allt y bela at ten thirty and start the day with coffee and biscuits. We will divide our time between Arne’s delightful garden studio and time in the garden. Arne, supported by head gardener Sam Finch will show how he has designed the garden and the many elements he has included in it, such as his signature use of roses and topiary, and his kitchen garden. We will also learn about the recent additions, including the woodland area, wildflower meadows and the herd of rare-breed cattle, brought in to manage the land regeneratively.
We will have a two-course summer lunch with a glass of wine or a soft drink, and the day will end with tea and home-made cakes.
Throughout the day there will be plenty of time to ask Arne questions and after tea at three o’clock, to wander at leisure around the gardens before departing by four o’clock.
With a group of only fifteen, we anticipate this will be a highly popular event, so book early to avoid disappointment.
