Island Life – Channel Island gardens opening this summer
2022 marks the first year of the National Garden Scheme opening gardens in the Channel Islands. North of Saint Malo and west of the Contentin Peninsula, the spectacular beaches and rugged coastline of the Channel Islands have a definite subtropical feel.
The mild winters and endless summer sunshine see a stream of visitors and islanders enjoy the peace and tranquility offered in Guernsey, along with the many scenic cliff top walks, prehistoric remains, woodland valleys, idyllic parish gardens, secluded town gardens and the garden gems of neighbouring islands of Sark and Herm.
Three gardens open for the National Garden Scheme this summer offering walled gardens, glasshouses, sculpture, music and much more!
Castle Carey, Guernsey, opens Saturday 25 June
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- The spectacular views from the garden at Castle Carey*
With stunning views over St Peter Port, the four acre garden has an Upper Garden mainly laid to lawn surrounded by herbaceous borders with statues adding additional interest. The Lower Garden has a fine example of a Victorian glasshouse in which can be found vines and a selection of cacti. With a vegetable garden, fruit trees, jazz band and home-made teas this is a perfect garden to explore on a summer day.
For more details click here.
Le Grand Dixcart, Sark, opens Saturday 25 & Sunday 26 June and Saturday 2nd & Sunday 3rd July
The gardens surround an old farmhouse that dates from 1565. With five distinct areas over two acres they are cultivated for beauty, wildlife and food. There’s a large mandala style permaculture area providing many different vegetables and cutting flowers alongside habitats for wildlife, ponds, lawns, herbaceous borders, two glasshouses, woodland, sculpture and an orchard.
For more details click here.
Victorian Walled Garden, Guernsey, opens Saturday 25th June & Saturday 2nd July
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- Victorian Walled Garden Guernsey
Visit Guernsey’s hidden gem at the restored garden that including 170 feet of period glasshouses. Since 2006, volunteers have lovingly worked to reclaim a derelict site and transform it into a thriving, productive garden. Rest in the tranquil environment where insects buzz among over 300 heritage fruit, flower and vegetable plants that were all available in the reign of Queen Victoria 1936-1901. There’s also a newly built education and visitor centre and ‘La Choppe’ sells produce, heritage seeds and locally made arts and crafts.
For more details click here.
More island life – discover more gardens on an island setting with our gardens on the Isle of Wight here
*image courtesy Cooper Brouard / Knight Frank
