Guernsey will celebrate its diverse horticulture this September with the autumn edition of its Floral Festival from 20th-29th September. The week-long festival will include special events, open gardens, guided walks and a talk from TV presenter, author and botanist James Wong.

Guernsey is a haven for floral enthusiasts due to its mild maritime climate, which allows for many unique plant varieties, tropical flowers and longer flowering seasons than the rest of the UK, making autumn a prime time to visit for gardening enthusiasts. Festival highlights include:  

James Wong- 'Maximum Flavour, Minimum Labour'- 27th September, 7-9pm
The talk by James Wong, themed on 'Maximum Flavour, Minimum Labour' will give a sneak preview into his new RHS book. Wong will discuss improving the flavour and nutrition of home-grown crops from blueberries with four times the antioxidants to strawberries with over seven times the aroma. The talk will no doubt be in high demand as Wong is best known for his TV series Grow Your Own Drugs and being a panellist on Radio 4's Gardener's Question Time. The talk takes place at the Princess Royal Performing Arts Centre in St. Peter Port and tickets cost £10. To book: www.guernseytickets.gg

RHS Garden Event - 'Inspirational Autumn Perennials'- 20th September, 10am-12.30pm
There will be a rare talk and tour of the two acre garden of La Croute farmhouse, exploring the use and maintenance of late-flowering perennials to provide colour and interest in autumn as well as advice on the most garden worthy species and cultivars, successful plant combinations and tips on maintenance. The tour costs £12. To book: www.guernseytickets.gg

Herm Island Guided Walk- 23rd September,11am-1pm
Guernsey's sister island of Herm, which is a 20 minute ferry ride away, is known for its bright exotic plants. This island tour is led by Herm's head gardener Brett Moore and gives an insight into the unique plant life and challenges associated with gardening on Herm. The tour costs £7.50. Catch the 10.30 Travel Trident ferry from St. Peter Port to Guernsey. To book call: 01481 715000

Open Garden at 'La Petite Vallee'- 28th September, 2-5pm
The collection of gardens at La Petite Vallee in St. Peter Port will be open throughout the afternoon. Guests have the chance to explore the seasonal cloisters, herbaceous borders, woodland walk and a tropical area with a number of unusual plants and water flows. No booking necessary with a £5 donation on entry. 

'Bordering on Insanity' by Timothy Walker- 29th September, 7.30pm
Timothy Walker, director of the Oxford Botanic Garden and winner of four gold medals at the Chelsea Flower Show, will present on the principles and practicalities of the herbaceous border. The talk takes place in Les Cotils in St. Peter Port and costs £8. No booking is required.

For further details on the festival visit: www.floralguernsey.co.uk

Getting there: Four nights at the Duke of Richmond during the Floral Festival costs from £295pp by sea from Weymouth or from £349pp by air from Gatwick with Channel Islands Direct. Price includes transport, breakfast, car hire, dinner for two and a cream tea for two or cocktail masterclass.  The four star Duke of Richmond is ideally located for enjoying the Floral Festival in the heart of St. Peter Port where many of the events take place. www.channelislandsdirect.co.uk/ 08444 937 486

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For further general information on Guernsey, please visit www.visitguernsey.com

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