This Is Guernsey

By Aimee Le Cocq

Jessica Ogier, left, in an authentic Victorian dress owned by her gran, and Harriet Wall-Gibbs plant their trees under the gaze of Lt-Governor Sir Fabian Malbon.

THE first trees were planted in Saumarez Park’s Victorian walled garden yesterday.

Castel School children in period costume and Lt-Governor Sir Fabian Malbon planted cherry and pear trees. Work began two years ago to recreate the original garden and will include a Victorian garden.

Raymond Evison, president of the Guernsey Botanical Trust, who has spearheaded the renovation, said that the trees were chosen because they would have been grown between 1875 and 1900. It had found this out by carrying out research on the winning plants at the North and South Show during this period.

‘There will be a great deal more development within the garden over the next year and we will be looking for sponsors to assist, in particular for the building of a Victorian style greenhouse,’ said Raymond Evison.
Sir Fabian, who is patron of the trust along with Bailiff Geoffrey Rowland, planted a cherry tree with an authentic Victorian spade supplied by Mr Evison.

‘I’m very honoured to be involved this morning and plant this tree,’ he said.

‘It’s wonderful that we have all the boys and girls from Castel to plant theirs. Their trees will grow and so will they so they can show their children and say that they planted that.’

He said that the renovation started when we arrived in the island two-and-a-half years ago. He hoped that the garden would become a popular visitor attraction.

The trust’s Wendy McHugh approached the school and Year 5 pupils took part as this year they are studying the Victorians.

Jessica Ogier, 10, wore a costume owned by her gran.

‘My gran collects Victorian costume and this was worn by a girl in 1895. We were all asked to bring in a Victorian costume and were told that the first ones to do so would get to plant a tree. But we all did so [head teacher] Mr Grayland asked if we could all come.

‘I’m quite excited about doing this and meeting the Lt-Governor again.’

Harriet Wall-Gibbs, aged 10, also planted a tree.

‘I feel happy that I’m doing this and excited to see Sir Fabian.’