Guernsey�s Floral Summer Festival Week takes place from 4 � 12 June; an annual event showcasing the rich variety of flora and fauna which carpet Guernsey�s islands.

Owing to the Gulfstream, Guernsey and her islands regularly record the most hours of sunshine in the British Isles, and are therefore home to many plant species not found on the mainland, including banana trees!

Orchid fields and rare plants The most striking example is the loose flowered orchid, one of several types of this rare and highly-prized species that grow wild in Guernsey�s 35 acres of orchid fields which cover the south west corner of the island at special environmental sites. The dark purple flowers can be seen in May and June, along with swathes of pink and white varieties, forming a striking and unique feature of the annual festival.

The temperate climate also suits other rare and semi-tropical species, including aloe, kaffir figs, the Giant Echium and Guernsey Centuary, which attract many plant enthusiasts each year.

Floral Summer Festival Events Programme Guernsey�s Floral Summer Festival offers a programme of events that includes something for both the cultivated and the fun-loving. Horticultural devotees can enjoy prearranged guided tours of residents� private gardens, floral lunches, expert lectures and gardening workshops, and a guided tour of Guernsey�s orchid fields. Floral tours to the other islands: Alderney, Sark and Herm, also appear in the programme. The island of Herm was awarded the �Britain In Bloom� Gold Award in 2002.

Less green-fingered visitors can enjoy island-hopping, jazz and classical music recitals, an art park, a croquet tournament on the lawn of Sausmarez Manor, and tea and scones with a dollop of rich Guernsey cream. There are also special events for children, including coastal walks and boat trips.

Don�t forget �hedge veg�! Visitors can also enjoy the time-honoured Guernsey tradition of selling home-grown fruit, vegetables, flowers and plants, or even homemade preserves outside homes, using an �honesty box� for payment! This surprising array of foods tucked away in the hedgerows is known on the islands as �hedge veg�.

Double the blooms! The Summer Floral Festival Week enjoys such success that a Spring Floral Festival Week has been introduced for 2005 (17 � 23 April).

More information from VisitGuernsey on 01481 723552 or www.visitguernsey.com

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Note to Editor

For media enquiries, please contact Jemima Stiles on +44 1273 698988, or at jemima@charismapr.co.uk

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