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Guernsey Gardens, The Bailiwick’s leading plant centre, landscaping, and maintenance firm, is celebrating 50 years in business. To mark this milestone, the company is donating 50 English oak trees across Guernsey, Herm, Sark, and Alderney. The trees will be distributed throughout all parishes of Guernsey; a gift that generations to come can appreciate. Planting and materials will also be funded by Guernsey Gardens.
The majestic English oak has been chosen as it is the best supporter of wildlife of any UK native tree and plays host to hundreds of pollinating insects, while also providing an important food-source and habitat for birds and mammals. Seven trees will be planted on Fort Road in Guernsey, enhancing our green space in St Peter Port and promoting biodiversity.
Opening with a team of two in 1974, Guernsey Gardens now employs around 20 people, with this number rising during peak periods. It is still a family business, with Founder Bob Paine remaining the owner. His daughters Emma Wilkins and Lucy Paine work in the office and Emma’s husband, Tom Wilkins, leads a team of skilled landscape gardeners.
Jerry, Guernsey Gardens’ Managing Director has decades worth of experience in the horticulture industry. He started his career on site and has developed knowledge of all facets of the business. He still takes an active role in the business and works with his son Josh to create detailed digital designs.
The company prides itself on the collective horticultural knowledge of its staff, principally, Plant Centre Manager Luke Ferneyhough. Luke started his career at Guernsey Gardens 25 years ago, completing his City and Guilds Horticulture Apprenticeship. This Qualification was later completed by Craig, Jerry’s brother and Guernsey Gardens’ Maintenance Manager, whose team has cared for countless islander’s gardens over the years.
Over the past half a century, Guernsey Gardens has delivered a range of exciting projects, notably as major contractors in the transformation of Brecqhou’s barren land into stunning landscaped gardens. The firm also continues to work closely with Floral Guernsey, previously collaborating with it to re-plant and landscape the Airport, Candie Gardens, and St. Julian’s Avenue.
Bob said: “Our oak planting initiative is a small way to give something back to our community. I’m pleased to provide something that will stand the test of time and benefit our islands for hundreds of years to come.
Luke said: “Family-owned businesses that last half a century are rare, so I’m honoured to be part of such a close-knit team built on integrity and expertise. We’ve grown to a point where we’re offering one of the most diverse selections of perennials, trees, and shrubs in the Bailiwick. People are always surprised to see we have plants from South Africa, the Mediterranean, Japan, and beyond. I look forward to seeing where we go next as we continue to offer our customers an amazing service.”
