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Floral
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| 2006 |
Jersey is an island of flowers – the temperate climate, long hours of sunshine and rich soil make it a gardener’s paradise. Aside from attractions such as the nine acres of pure perfume that make up the fragrant Lavender Farm and the award-winning and awe-inspiring Eric Young Orchid Foundation, there are also a number of stunning private gardens, which are opened several times a year to the public, allowing visitors an exclusive look behind the scenes. Jersey’s capital St Helier has also won two Britain in Bloom prizes in 2001: the Large Town award and also the Permanent Landscape award.
There are more than 10 festivals each year on Jersey dedicated to every aspect of the island’s environment, from two “Wild Weeks” which allow visitors a closer look at some of Jersey’s stunning natural habitats to spring flower festivals and the world famous Jersey Battle of Flowers.
The renowned Garden Festival takes places every July and draws horticultural experts from around Europe and consists of open gardens, talks, demonstrations and guided walks.
Battle of Flowers Museum
Seasonal Status: - Seasonal Opening.
Founded by Florence Bechelet, one of the Battle's most prolific exhibitors. Many of her handmade prize-winning floats can be seen. Open from mid April until the end of October.
Eric Young Orchid Foundation
Seasonal Status: - open all year round.
One of the finest collections of orchids in all the world is to be found at the Eric Young Orchid Foundation, deep in the heart of the Jersey countryside at Victoria Village, Trinity, which is housed in a new purpose-built nursery and exhibition complex formally opened in June 2001. Exhibitors at many of the major presentations around the world, this unique collection has won many prestigious international awards, establishing an unrivalled world-wide reputation and the skills of the Jersey breeders is universally acknowledged to be unsurpassed. The Foundation was established in 1958 by the late Eric Young, a trained scientist who, even from childhood, was a gifted horticulturist. Before his untimely death he had developed one of the finest collections of orchids anywhere in the world. But this was no private passion. Eric Young's dream was for the foundation to maintain and develop the collection in perpetuity to enable everyone to enjoy its splendour and excellence. Today the dream, in its new complex, is a glorious reality. Open Wednesday's, Thursday's, Friday's and Saturday's.
Jersey Lavender Farm
Seasonal Status: - Seasonal Opening.
Possibly the most fragrant attraction in Jersey - a working farm devoted to the growing, harvesting, distillation and drying of lavender. From the end of May to early August the lavender is in bloom, providing a most spectacular site. The precious essential lavender oil produced from the distillation is used in the manufacture of a range of fragrant Jersey Lavender Toiletries - the whole process is explained in a presentation video and by friendly staff. A stroll around the lavender fields is an unforgettable experience and there are also fabulous gardens and woods to wander through as well as a National Collection of lavenders, herb beds and a bamboo collection. There is a gift shop with all the products made on the farm, and much more. Your perfect day can be completed with a delicious lunch or home made tea and cake at the Lavender Tearoom. Jersey Lavender products are also sold at: Boots, Reid's chemist, St Peter's Garden Centre, Books Plus (Airport), Ransom's Garden Centre, Spice House and other outlets. Closed on Mondays. Open from 9 May until 17 September.
Judith Quérée's Garden
Seasonal Status: - Seasonal Opening.
If you are interested in Beautiful gardens and things botanical then a visit to Creux Baillot Cottage in the Beautiful rural parish of St Ouen is a must. Set in a tranquil valley and accessed only by a small country lane. A Garden created with a diverse collection of over 2,000 mainly herbaceous perennials from all over the world. Full of interesting features such as a bog garden viewed from an elevated wooden walkway and the attractive old granite cottage built into the side of the Valley. The garden has been featured on a number of television programmes including the BBC Gardener of the Year Competion. Guided tours of the garden twice a day with Judith Queree. Limited selection of plants for sale. Specialised groups welcome.
Kempt Tower Visitor Centre
Seasonal Status: - Seasonal Opening.
One of the most rewarding areas for the amateur naturalist is the west coast sand dunes, reedbed enclosed ponds and scrubland known as Les Mielles. Kempt tower was built in 1834 and named after Sir James Kemp, Master General of the Ordnance, one of Wellington's Generals at the Battle of Waterloo. The Martello Tower is packed with information on wildlife conservation, countryside management and other environmental subjects. Open from May until the end of September.
La Mare Vineyards & Distillery
Seasonal Status: - Seasonal Opening.
Experience everything from wine to chocolate. Inside the extensive grounds, experts and novices alike are guided through the fascinating process of wine making and distilling in La Mare's humorous style. Take a stroll through the vineyards, orchards and beautiful gardens before visiting the Winery to taste three estate wines during the new audio-visual show. You won't be disappointed, as the estate has recently won international awards for its wines. In the distillery you'll discover the traditional art of distilling and oak ageing of the famous Jersey Apple Brandy. La Mare also produces a wonderful range of Black Butter, marmalades, jams, jellies, mustards and delicious fudge, all 'genuine Jersey' and handmade on the estate. For the children there is an adventure playground, miniature ponies and a cheeky but loveable goat called Barney. Luxury Jersey Chocolates are now handmade by the estate. You're in the heart of the Jersey countryside so relax and enjoy a delicious alfresco lunch or a freshly made Jersey cream tea in the tranquil atmosphere of the Buttery Restaurant. Member of the Jersey Premier Attractions Group. Closed on Sundays. Open from 10 April. Shop open only during November and December.
Lion Park - Jersey Goldsmiths
Seasonal Status: - open all year round.
Stay and play, or just while-away the day in this serene setting. Roam around the gardens at your leisure, or take a stroll around Jersey's largest model boating lake. Allow an explosion of colour in our gardens set your senses aglow, then in contrast, relax by the serene-water's edge, where graceful flamingos parade their pink attire or enjoy a delicious ice cream at the 'Watering Hole' (weather permitting). Open all year, free admission. Suitable for disabled.
Business Email: jersey.gold@jerseymail.co.uk
Business Telephone 01534 482098
Samares Manor
Seasonal Status: - Seasonal Opening.
A beautiful house, with extensive grounds and herb gardens, and a courtyard which makes an ideal setting for crafts and craft demonstrations and wood turning. Guided tours of the Manor House every morning and afternoon except Sunday. Samares Manor is also home to the Jersey Giant Cabbage. Jersey's famous cabbage walking sticks are made from the Giant Cabbage or LongJack. A unique gift from Jersey. Open from 8 April until mid October.
Sunset Nurseries Flower Centre
Seasonal Status: - open all year round.
See carnations, alstroemeria and the tropical bird gardens. Facilities available: Tea Garden, Gift shop, Postal flowers. Closed at weekends during winter period.
PTGH wish to thank Jersey Tourism for their help in providing the above information.
19/01/2006
© 2006 Preston Travel Group Holdings Limited. All rights reserved.
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