In 2013, Moniack Mhor’s garden underwent a transformation. At the start of the project, the acre of land that surrounds the buildings of Moniack Mhor were completely untouched, a blank canvas waiting to be discovered by the local community and visiting writers.
As well as the various garden features and the inspirational views overlooking the mountains of Strathfarrar and the table plateau of Ben Wyvis, the garden creates space for discussion, workshops, tutorials, and encourages individual activities including writing, reading, listening, and reciting.
Our new garden space includes the following features:
- Dry stone story telling circle for the sharing of words under a moonlit sky – This project was supported by George Gunn who led a series of training workshops in dry stone walling for local volunteers.
- Giant alpine rockery
- Colourful garden areas around the main entrance, office and cottage
- New paths providing increased access around the garden
- Timber benches for quiet reflection – These benches were built by Robert Kinghorn
- A new stone patio around the entrance to the building
- Native trees and plants
- A pond
- Raised beds of soft fruits and expanded herb garden
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- The herb garden
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- Herbs for the kitchen
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- The pond
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- View towards the straw bale studio
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- Plants in the giant rockery
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- The patio
This project was made possible through grant funding from Scottish Natural Heritage, a visit from Beechgrove Garden, the Highland Council and the hard work and support of friends, staff and supporters. We are deeply grateful for the support of all. We would also like to thank Alastair Simmons for all his hard work on the garden designs.
In 2015, an anthology of garden inspired writing will be produced. .
The garden is open to the public outwith course times. Please come along and visit our work in progress!
George Gunn – Dry Stone Walling
Robert Kinghorn – Tree Surgeon
Morgan Sindall – for donating the patio.