Jersey is split into 14 different states, or districts – one of which is Grouville; which in 2007 won the
RHS Britain in Bloom prize for a small town. The prize is awarded for ‘outstanding examples of community effort, environmental sustainability and horticultural excellence’; and is an excellent indication of the standard and strength of garden product across the island; as well as the community spirit which produces it. There is a plethora of stunning
private gardens on the island, many of which are open to the public, plus the unique Eric Young Orchid Foundation and the Jersey Lavender Farm. Flowers thrive on the island due to the long hours of sunshine and rich soil.
The Eric Young Orchid Foundation and it’s nursery in the village of Trinity houses one of the finest collections of orchids in the entire world. The foundation, established by Eric Young in 1958, allows entrance from the public on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. The foundation exhibited at the
RHS Chelsea Flower Show this year and swept the board with Gold awards.
The Jersey Lavender Farm lays claim to being the ‘most fragrant attraction on Jersey’ – a family run business which grows and distils lavender into lavender oil, and is then made into various toiletry products. The lavender fields make for a great place to walk, with the end products available to buy there or from their website.
Among those who keep beautiful gardens and open them to the public on the island is Judith Quérée. Judith’s garden is in the parish of St. Ouen on the west side of the island and has been created with a diverse collection of over 2,000 mainly herbaceous perennials from all over the world. Judith offers guided tours of the island daily, though pre-booking is essential. Samares Manor also has beautiful gardens open to the public; there is a herb garden with a restaurant, the perfect place for a Jersey Cream Tea.
The Open Garden Scheme which runs on any given Sunday from April to August offers horticulturalists to visit a usually private garden. So far ten gardens have confirmed openings for 2008, including Le Coin and Grey Gables at St. Brelade, set on more than five acres of land. The Broadlands garden in Grouville will reopen its doors after more than ten years in May, and the St. Etienne garden will open for the first time in June.
In August of each year one of the major highlights of the Jersey calendar occurs, the Battle of Flowers. The Battle is in fact a parade, where the floats are all decorated with over 100,000 brightly coloured blooms, making it one of the largest parades Europe and a yearly showcase for the island’s floral wonders.
For more information on Jersey please visit www.jersey.com or call 01534 448877.
