Garden lovers should head to Guernsey from 5th- 13th July for the annual Floral Guernsey Summer Festival (www.floralguernsey.co.uk). The nine day festival will see a host of events including open gardens, guided walks and an appearance by renowned garden photographer Clive Nichols.

Guernsey is a haven for floral enthusiasts with many unique plant varieties and a mild maritime climate, meaning that the island is decorated in colourful wildflowers for most of the year. Visitors can expect to see rare orchids, crocuses and exotic lilies in immaculately groomed historical gardens and wildflowers along the coastline and in the rural interior. Here's a selection of the festival's highlights:

July 5th - Open Garden, Les Merriennes, Le Bigard

A rare chance to view this privately owned two acre garden featuring a fern garden and an established orchard.

From 10am-2pm

Tickets cost £5.

July 6th – Victorian Walled Garden Summer Party, Saumarez Park, Castel

View the restored traditional kitchen garden at one of Guernsey's most famous sites Saumarez Park. As well as the gardens there will be entertainment including live music, plant stalls, children's craft and gardening activities plus refreshments for sale.

From 10am – 4pm

Free entry

July 8th - Flower and Garden Photography Workshop with Clive Nichols

A highlight of the festival this workshop is held by top flower and garden photographer Clive Nichols who will be sharing his knowledge and expertise with budding photographers. For more information on Clive Nichols visit www.clivenichols.com

Time 10.30am – 4.00pm

Cost £45

To book email: floralguernsey@hotmail.co.uk

July 10th – Exotic Gardens of Herm – RHS recommended event

This is a wonderful opportunity to tour Herm which is blessed with a favourable climate that enables many sub-tropical plants to thrive. The tour is led by head gardener Brett Moore and will give attendees an opportunity to work up an appetite before enjoying a three course lunch in the Whitehouse Conservatory Restaurant.

Time take the 08:30 ferry from Guernsey to Herm for a 09:30 tour departure

Cost RHS Members £34.50 / non-member £39.50

To book call 01481 750075

July 11th – The Gems of the South and East Coast Boat Cruise

Take to the sea in the Bumblebee catamaran from the capital St Peter Port to travel around the coast and its hidden coves abundant with flora and fauna. Hear all about the islands' dramatic past including the history of privateering, the island's role as a refuge for creatives and of course its dramatic life during WWII.

Time 10:00am

Cost £27.50 adults, £17.50 for children

To book visit www.bumblebee.gg / 01481 720200

July 12th - Floral Guernsey Summer Party at Les Friquet Garden Centre, Castel

Join celebrity Mark Diacono from River Cottage and Otter Farm in a celebrity family friendly day with top tips from Mark, sow and grow workshops for kids, live music and a BBQ.

Time 11am – 4pm

July 13th - Guided Walk in the Footsteps of Victor Hugo, starting at Les Villets

Join the Floral Forest Guernsey Group for a challenging walk along quiet lanes and cliff paths from Les Villets to La Moye point. See Hugo's 'Port on the fourth floor' as described in 'Toilers of the Sea.'

Time 2-4pm

Cost £5

Getting there: Guernsey is accessible by air with Aurigny (www.aurigny.com), Blue Islands (www.blueislands.com) and Flybe (www.flybe.com) and by sea with Condor (www.condorferries.co.uk). Aurigny flights are available from Gatwick, Stansted, Bristol, East Midlands and Manchester with return Gatwick flights starting from £79. Blue Islands flights are available from Southampton and London City (via Jersey) with return Southampton flights starting from £78. Flybe flights are available from Birmingham, Norwich, Southampton and Exeter with prices starting at £80 return from Birmingham. Three hour Condor ferry crossings from Portsmouth, Poole or Weymouth start from £253 return for a car and four passengers.

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For more information on Guernsey please visit: www.visitguernsey.com

For more information or further enquiries please contact Jules Ugo or Amelia Astley Birtwistle on firstname@lotus-uk.co.uk / 0207 953 7470