The garden nestles in the forested Grwyne Fawr valley at 1200 feet up in the Black Mountains of Wales. Crafted over 40 years the garden stretches up the hill into the forest and slopes gently down to the Grwyne Fawr river.  It is difficult to see where garden ends and wild begins, so well does it sit within its landscape. 

Here wildflowers – weeds to some – combine with vegetables and trees, unusual varieties sit happily alongside age-old favourites, plants for pollinators abound and seed heads are left for the birds.  A forager’s, florist’s, and photographer’s haven. 

The garden here has been created, and is continuing to develop, around the under-pinning principles of forest gardening.  Join the members day to discuss with owners Sue and Ian how they grow edibles for the table and wildlife here.  Enjoy the huge variety of trees and habitats from mature walnut, sweet chestnut, hazel and Douglas Fir (immense trees) to more recently planted Sichuan peppercorn, honeyberry, juniper, wild service and Amelanchier, mulberry and autumn olive.  Ground layer crops include wild garlic, three-cornered leek, prostrate raspberry and musk strawberries, wood sorrel and ground elder, sweet cicely and sweet woodruff.  Shrub and vine layers include wild raspberry and elderflower, blueberry and hop

Woodland products such as leafmould, wood chip for mulching and making compost are important, and Sue has been experimenting with composted woodchip as a growing medium, and Hugelkultur – which is growing crops on rotting wood.  To find out more, and share your experiences, book a place to visit Nant-y-bedd on the 7th  May 2022.

Tea, coffee and cake will be provided, please bring a packed lunch.