The Guernsey Spring Floral Festival, from 26 April- 4 May, will welcome celebrity gardener Joe Swift this year; ideal for budding gardeners or complete beginners wanting tips from one of the UK's most famous gardeners. The week-long festival will celebrate Guernsey's exotic flora and fauna, made possible from its microclimate and southerly position within the UK and showcase some of its most innovatively planted private gardens. For full festival details: http://floralguernsey.co.uk/
Highlights of the Guernsey Spring Floral Festival will include:
'My 15 years of gardening ' with Joe Swift- 3 May
Joe Swift is one of the UK's most widely recognised celebrity gardeners and is a regular face on BBC Gardener's World, co-presenter on the Royal Horticultural Society Chelsea Flower Show and has presented at the Chelsea Flower Show. During the floral festival enjoy a three-course meal at The Farmhouse Hotel in the inner island parish of St. Saviour followed by an entertaining talk from Joe Swift, who will discuss his career progressing from a mere gardener to a successful TV presenter and a gold winner at the Chelsea Flower Show. Evening starts at 7pm and costs £29.50 per person. To book: www.guernseytickets.gg
Children's Garden Workshop with Joe Swift- 3 May
Joe Swift will also hold a children's garden workshop at the beautiful restored kitchen gardens of Saumarez Park. The garden is highly exotic as its beds were originally planted by a Guernsey diplomat who had served as the British Ambassador to Japan and took cuttings from there. The workshop is suitable for children from six-nine years and will take place from 3-3.30pm. To book: floralguernsey@hotmail.co.uk.
*RHS RECOMMENDED EVENT* - Exotic Gardens of Herm- 1 May
Guernsey's sister island of Herm, a 20 minute ferry ride from Guernsey, is well known for its colourful coastal gardens and has been a two time gold winner in the Britain in Bloom Awards, mainly due to its wide array of subtropical plants. Join Herm's head gardener, Brett Moore, for a private tour of the exotically planted gardens followed by a three-course lunch in the Whitehouse Hotel, which has sea views over to Guernsey. Tickets cost £34.50 for RHS members and £39.50 for non-members. To book: 01481 750075
Bluebell Woods Walk- 29 April
Enjoy a three hour guided walk along the beach, the cliff paths and onto Guernsey's stunning Bluebell Woods, which are at their peak in April. The walk is followed by tea and cake at the Fermain Valley Hotel. The walk costs £8 and tickets can be booked at: www.guernseytickets.gg.
Floral Guernsey by boat- 2 May
Explore Guernsey's coastal flora and fauna from a different perspective with a boat ride from Bumblebee Cruises. The hour long trip takes in the dramatic cliff scenery, secret coves and hidden bays with explanations of the coastal vegetation. The trip costs £27.50 for adults and 17.50 for children. To book: bumblebee.gg 01481 720200.
Lihou Island Walk- 30 April
See an ancient burial chamber, WWII German trenches and old fortifications on Guernsey's west coast before heading to Lihou Island, which is only attached to the mainland at low tide, when a cobbled causeway is revealed. Learn about Lihou's varied and specialised habitats and century's old history. The walk lasts from 12pm - 3pm and is followed by tea and Guernsey G'che. The cost is £10 per person. For bookings: www.guernseytickets.gg
300 Camellias at Sausmarez Manor- 29 April
Sausmarez Manor Subtropical Garden will hold a guided tour of its 300 camellias on 29 April. This includes seeing a cutting grown from the first ever camellia imported into Europe and one that flowers right on into August. Typically camellias only flower into late spring. Visitors will also be able to see the other rare, unusual and exotic plants and trees. The tour lasts an hour and costs £5. For bookings: 01481 235571
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For further general information on Guernsey, please visit www.visitguernsey.com
For any press enquiries please contact Jules Ugo or Amelia Astley Birtwistle at Lotus UK on firstname@lotus-uk.co.uk or call the office on 0207 953 7470.