WFGA members were fortunate to be able to visit Arne Maynards garden in Monmouthshire this September.

In fact this is the third in a set of visits that members have been able to view the changing garden. We first went six years ago just after the house and garden had been acquired from the Spitalfields Trust. The Trust had rescued the old building from rack and ruin. It was then up to Arne to make a garden to complement the beautiful old property. Arne  showed us around the grounds – telling us about all the inspiration and rationale behind his ideas for developing the garden.

On our subsequent visits we have seen how these ideas have been put into place in the developing garden and how some have been changed over that time due to the weather, plant growth and other factors.

This visit we were blessed with a lovely but windy day to see how things have progressed so far. Some had only previously visited the first time and were amazed at the changes – the house no longer is confronted by a sea of gravel for one thing. Soil has been moved around the site – new banks made, other areas levelled; hedges and trees have been planted – some topiarised (if that is the right word); stone walls have been built. The house now sits very comfortably within its setting – and looking as if  that has always been so.

The general ambience is of one of rural idyll; the few significantly planted borders, courtyard garden and vegetable garden are jewels set within the open country feel to the garden. In a word – magical

.

Those with forethought had brought their note books and wrote of the details they were inspired by – planting schemes, landscaping ideas and particular plants. Al in all a very enjoyable afternoon – complete with tea and gooey cake – brilliant.

Mary James, the Regional Co-ordinator for Cumbria and the North-West has sent in this talk and pictures.

“On August 13th six of us Northern Members met up at Tatton Park Gardens in Cheshire and had a lovely afternoon exploring the gardens. Whilst many of us had visited the RHS Show only one of us had been  around the actual gardens which were wonderful and would be gorgeous in Spring and Autumn for colour also.  The Fernery was my highlight and the fact that they had herbaceous flowers growing in a raised bed in the Greenhouse!

The Japanese Garden is only open as a tour, which we didn’t realise but on a repeat visit will organise our own private tour.  It was a good day weatherwise and we were able to sit outside for lunch and exchange garden knowledge and many laughs.