Gardens of Jersey

Date: Tuesday, 20th - Saturday, 24th July, 2010

Cost: €885 per person sharing

IN ASSOCIATION WITH THE IRISH GARDEN MAGAZINE

Itinerary:

Strategically located between the northern coast of France and the southern coast of England, Jersey, the largest of the Channel Islands, combines the allure and food of one with the language of the other. This small but beautiful island is renowned for its history, scenery and wonderful beaches. It’s perfect climate and tradition of horticulture provides the ideal place for wonderful gardens, both public & private.

Tuesday, July 20th
Meet Frances MacDonald at Dublin airport for our direct flight to Jersey arriving at 14.50hrs. We will be met on arrival by a private coach, which will transfer us to Samares Manor. These unique gardens were created in the 1920s by millionaire shipping magnate and philanthropist, Sir James Knott, and in recent years they have undergone substantial restoration, diversification and development.
Samarès Manor’s herb garden, one of the most comprehensive in Europe, was the inspiration of internationally renowned garden designer and author, John Brookes. Its design can be best appreciated from the viewing platform high above the garden, adding an extra dimension to this unique collection
of culinary, fragrant, cosmetic and medicinal plants.
We are based in the Revere Hotel which is centrally located in St. Helier.
Dine together as a group. www.jerseyrooms.co.uk/revere/

Wednesday, July 21st
Three interesting gardens today; Le Clos du Chemin where Mediterranean plants flourish around the house while the lower terraces have shade-loving species and a hidden Italian garden. Then on to La Maison des Pres for a guided tour by the owner of the shrub borders, parterre and secret garden. After lunch a visit to Domaine des Vaux for a tour of the garden and afternoon tea. Dine as a group in hotel.

Thursday, July 22nd
Morning free to explore St. Helier. We meet before lunch and go to Jersey Pottery for a snack before going on to visit The Eric Young Orchid Foundation. Our final visit is to Roselands, a well-established garden with sumptuous borders. Evening free to explore one of the many restaurants in St. Helier.

Friday, July 23rd
We start the day with a visit to one of the smallest but most interesting garden in Jersey – Creux Baillot Cottage – for a tour conducted by the owner Judith Queree. Fascinating rare plants and uncommon varieties make this an extra-ordinary plantsperson’s garden. In the afternoon we visit Grey Gables – a garden of rooms each with its own unique theme from herbaceous to naturalised wild planting. Last visit of the day is to Westward – this garden is set against rugged cliffs overlooking St. Brelade’s Bay; its gently sloping terraces lead down to pond-side borders at the lower level.

Saturday, July 24th
Check out of hotel and our first visit is to the Howard Davis Park. Close to St. Helier, this walled park has a wonderful rose garden and shrub borders. Our final visit is to the wonderful Jersey Lavender Farm with its cafe and shop, for a guided tour before transferring to the airport for our flight. We arrive in Dublin at 16.45.

Frances MacDonald, a qualified and experienced gardener and guide, escorts this tour; she will be available at all times to help and advise you.

Further details from: Frances MacDonald (tours@thebaygarden.com)

Cost includes flights, all private coach transfers, garden entrance fees and bed, breakfast in hotel and dinner where mentioned.

COST: €885.00 per person sharing

Single Supplement: €95.00

Deposit: €250.00 – Payable to Bay Garden Tours.

Itinerary subject to change