In three years, La Maison forte de Monbalen has carried out extensive research, multiplied reports and diagnoses, about its green spaces. It is Céline Hough, who arrived in September 2023, who is largely responsible for the project. After completing a BTS in agricultural management and protection, the thirty-year-old continued her studies with a professional degree in urban plant eco-landscape, with the theme “regenerating urban ecosystems”.
During her university studies, she learned many methods promoting soil regeneration, and this is what she is implementing in Monbalen. The objective is to “prove that we can do something aesthetically pretty, without harming nature. »
A garden in three parts
Located in the heart of the Pays de Serres, the garden of La Maison forte is notably made up of a plateau, which is located on the upper part. “This plot, approximately two hectares, was cultivated for a long time in poor conditions, which means that today the soil is degraded,” explains Céline.
The objective is to be able to transform it into an agricultural area, so that a farmer can settle there. To make it viable again, the young woman uses numerous regenerative processes. “We use dynamic rotational grazing, with our horse and our two donkeys, but also hydrological and syntropy techniques. All of these methods aim to revive biodiversity. »
In this project, what costs the most is all the diagnostics”
Then there are the cliffs, mainly made up of trees and wood. This part should not be affected by the new developments. On the other hand, the lower part, the wettest of the entire garden, will be. This plot notably houses a spring, not far from an old wash house. “What we want to recreate here is a remarkably vibrant garden, which will evolve over time. »
At the end of November, La Maison forte recruited its landscaper, Alwin Sanchez, member of the Collectif verdure. The idea is not to entrust the design to him, but rather to co-build, with residents, employees and volunteers.
To finance its garden project, the structure was able to count on help from the Region, to the tune of 50,000 euros. She also obtained the same amount, thanks to an SCI held by its owner. “In this project, what costs the most are all the diagnostics. But they allowed us to understand the landscape in order to embark on construction,” summarizes Céline Hough.
Alwin Sanchez will go to the site this Thursday, January 2, to consider the first changes.
