Floral Guernsey to become a foundation as it focuses on creating floral islands

Floral Guernsey has become a foundation as it expands its vision to focus on creating the floral islands across the Bailiwick.

"We have over 22 years of experience on our side and by becoming a foundation we believe that this will help us to develop one of our main objectives to increase the number of legacy projects we take on across all the islands, not just in Guernsey. Foundation status gives us a solid grounding and one that says we are here to stay," said Floral Guernsey chairman Pat Johnson. 

"With the greater sense of freedom that being part of a foundation brings, we will be able to take on a variety of new projects and approach sponsors and seek donations to help us with our cause. We want to leave behind a legacy that we can all be proud of for future generations to enjoy."

Six parishes in Guernsey as well as Herm have already been an active part of Floral Guernsey’s community competition with many winning gold at national level. Now the committee is planning to work closely with Sark and Alderney and is also providing funding for enhancement projects in Castel, Torteval and the newly formed Floral Bridge Group so that the whole Bailiwick is involved. All four islands have also been given 1,000 daffodil bulbs which, have now been planted, in an area of their choice. 

Floral Guernsey has four primary objectives; its community competition which each year chooses a parish or island to represent Guernsey at the RHS Britain in Bloom regional final, its legacy initiative to enhance public areas, its education programme and festival weeks. The aim of the gardening themed festival weeks is to inspire and educate locals and visitors to become involved in gardening at all levels. 

"The community competition has transformed the appearance of our island and volunteers dedicate thousands of hours to growing, planting, weeding and tidying the participating parishes all through the year. Last year St Peter Port won gold and best in category at the RHS national finals of Britain in Bloom," said Mr Johnson. 

He added that 2014 had also seen a huge achievement for the education programme with more than 1,700 children attending Magical Days in the Park.