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People have the rare opportunity to explore some of Guernsey’s loveliest country gardens this weekend.
More than 20 residents of St Peter’s are opening their gardens to the public on Saturday and Sunday, with people invited to walk or cycle around one of three specially-created routes to raise funds for St Peter’s Church.
In a weekend packed with activity there will be barbecues, tea parties, live music, floral and textile art exhibits, and a sale of antiques and collectibles in and around the church grounds.
“This has become a much anticipated opportunity to celebrate so much that is lovely about St Peter’s," said The Rev. Adrian Datta, of St Peter’s Church. "The church is a hub of the parish and we love to be hospitable. The funds raised through the Hidden Gardens weekend will contribute to improvements to our regular in-church café which is open to everyone all year round. We’re grateful for sponsorship and practical support from Rocq Capital which means that all funds raised will go to the church.”
Rev. Adrian Datta and parishioner Peter Martel in his garden.
One of the gardens that will be opened up to the public is that of Peter and Carol Martel, who live just down the road from the church.
"The garden is just an extension of the house - I am only inside if it is raining or if it is dark, I am always pottering around out here," said Mr Martel. "I like things to be tidy and we try to keep it looking nice. Wherever we have been we have always had a nice garden."
"Carol is the botanist and all the plants in the garden she knows by their Latin names which shows how keen she is on her garden. It is therapeutic [working in the garden] it shakes out your brain."
Rocq Capital, sponsor of the event, will be presenting all visitors with a bee-friendly potted plant produced by Grow Limited. Representatives of the Pollinator Project will be on hand to give advice on encouraging pollinators into local gardens.
To give people more time to explore the parish and its gardens the event has been extended this year to run over two days.
The 'gentle jaunt' takes in the gardens closest to the church, while a 'medium meander' ventures to the east of the parish as far as properties in Rue des Heches and returns via Rue des Messuriers. For the more adventurous, the 'rigorous ramble' provides an opportunity to wander or cycle through tranquil country lanes as far as Rue de St Briocq.
The Hidden Gardens of St Pierre du Bois will be open between 12:00 and 17:00 on Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 June. Access is by programme only, available from the Green at Les Buttes. The price of £7 for adults covers both days and under-16s are free of charge.
A barbecue will be held between 12:00 and 14:00 and tea and cakes will be served between 14:00 and 17:00 on both days. The Guernsey Concert Band will play in the rectory grounds from 19:30 on the Saturday when people are invited to bring their own picnic.
Pictured top: Rev. Adrian Datta in one of the hidden gardens.
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