The Islands of Guernsey benefit from a great growing climate. Spring actually arrives four weeks earlier in Guernsey than on mainland Britain, which allows some unique and very beautiful flora to grow on the island.
Whether you’re a budding horticulturist, gardener, or collector of house plants, there are plenty of green spaces to explore and take inspiration from.
During the summer months we have a plethora of open garden events to choose from.
Here are the open gardens taking place this summer.
La Seigneurie
In the gardens of La Seigneurie Estate, you will find four diverse acres to enjoy, as well as a cafe and restaurant for refreshments. The award-winning Walled Garden boasts a variety of colours, shapes and scents, with a vast array of flora.
Woodland walks take visitors on a journey past the Monk's Well, the duck pond, and across the newly installed bridge to St Magloire's island. This was recently built and installed by the Seigneur, a former military engineer. A flight of stairs leads guests back to the Archery Lawn, where guests will find a stumpery and a grass walk at the north of the lawn.
For children, the gardens feature a charming maze with a miniature castle at the centre.
At the front of the estate, the Amphitheatre has benches for visitors to relax and enjoy a picnic. The shade and fountains are a serene backdrop for a rest on your journey.
If you're lucky, you may spot some of the local wildlife, including birds and insects, and some species recently spotted for the first time in the British Isles.
Open Garden: Saturday 7th June, 10am - 5pm.
Adult admission is £8, child admission is £2.
La Tour
Surrounded by pink and white David Austin roses, La Tour has a formal garden in front of the house and is also home to an organic vegetable garden.
Behind the house, visitors will find a pond with water lilies, surrounded by more David Austin roses of all colours.
Open Garden: Saturday 7th June and Sunday 8th June, 9am - 4pm.
Admission by donation.
Le Grand Dixcart
These award-winning gardens sit at the heart of Le Grand Dixcart B&B experience.
Featuring raised beds, an apple orchard, the Cedar Greenhouse, and a unique Permaculture Garden, the gardens are also home to some resident chickens, who produce fresh eggs, and a thriving beehive.
Guided tours are available on Monday, Wednesday and Friday afternoons and can be reserved through Stocks Hotel reception.
Open Garden: Saturday 7th June and Sunday 8th June, 11am - 3pm.
Adult admission is £5, and child admission is £2.50
Highfields
Whilst not a large garden, visitors will find an interesting mix of shrubs, perennials and annuals to peruse.
With several places to relax and enjoy the surroundings, guests can admire the planting, such as the new covered arbour. A small greenhouse, a vegetable area and a corten steel water feature are some key highlights of this design.
Open Garden: Saturday 14th June and Sunday 15th June, 2pm - 5pm.
Adult admission is £5, and the garden is child-free.
La Croute De Bas
This open lawn garden is complemented with hedges to create a private croquet pitch.
Featuring flower borders and a greenhouse attached to a barn and summerhouse, guests can also cross the road to enjoy a recently planted orchard, home to a variety of fruit trees.
Open Garden: Saturday 14th June and Sunday 15th June, 12pm - 6pm.
Admission by donation.
Les Vieilles Salines
Spread over 3 acres, this garden has been curated for over 30 years, creating a year-round display of vibrant colour.
Inspired by the Augusta golf course, an arrangement of azaleas and rhododendrons can be seen in the surrounding borders.
A fruit and vegetable garden, managed woodland, stumpery, dry river area, wildflower meadow and specimen trees are also available for guests to explore, making it a fine example of sustainable gardening.
Open Garden: Saturday 14th June and Sunday 15th June, 10am - 6pm.
Admission is £5.
Government House
This private residence, owned by the States of Guernsey, is home to the Lieutenant-Governor of the Bailiwick and features 10 acres of parkland and landscaped gardens.
Visitors will find over 150 mature trees and a stunning collection of camellia cultivars.
Over 1,700 square metres, the historic walled garden featured in the grounds is generally considered to be one of the finest examples of a traditional walled garden in the British Isles.
Impressively, the garden provides a hundred varieties of fruits, vegetables, and herbs, as well as flowers for the house.
Open Garden: Saturday 21st June, 12pm - 4pm.
Adult admission is £5, children enter for free.
Grange Court Garden
With tea, cakes and merchandise on sale for charity, guests can enjoy a wander around the finely curated garden as well as live music.
Open Garden: Sunday 29th June, 10am - 4pm.
Adult admission is £5, under 12s enter for free.
