This Is Guernsey

By Cheryl Latter

FLORAL Guernsey judges were in Herm this week for a guided tour and a chance to meet some of the residents.

Lucy Hurdley and Dave Stuart are from Guernsey and already know the island well. Alice Paterson and Robert Player are judges from the UK, and were here for the first time.

The judges were first taken to the hotel to meet some islanders and staff.

After viewing the grounds, they were taken up the hill to see the waterworks and be shown the first part of the new woodland walk.

They also visited the island nursery and the new bee-hives.

At the school, the island children showed off their garden and their newly acquired knowledge of vegetable growing.

The judges were also the first to see the labels that the children have designed for the Herm honey project.

The winning design will be used on the honey pots for sale.

Herm’s theme for this year is grow-your-own, and the children have embraced the idea of self-sufficiency.

They have planted sustainable fruit and vegetables, and are introducing tomatoes, radishes and rocket.

This is the second year they have grown window-box strawberries

‘Last year we had our Shakespeare knot garden,’ said teacher Mary Carey.

‘We have taken out some of the overgrown herbs, like catmint, and are planning to plant edible stuff like chard, potatoes, carrots and strawberries.

‘Also we have grown tomatoes and peppers from seed.’

Having only a small school garden, the theme of the space changes with the annual school project.

‘My favourite thing about gardening at school is doing a different kind of garden every year,’ said pupil Taigh Watson, 9.

Five residents have this year acquired small allotments.

The judges were able to view the progress and meet Estate Foreman Gavin Hyde and carpenter Richard Knight, whose allotments are flourishing.

Richard’s son Charlie had the honour of pulling up the first marrow of the season for the judges to see.

All in all, the judges seemed to have an enjoyable day.

‘I come to Herm a lot,’ said Lucy Hurdley, ‘And I think it is a lovely island.

‘It’s especially nice that the children know everyone and feel really comfortable talking with the gardeners.’

Dave Stuart remembers Herm from his own childhood holidays.

‘In a way, I’m quite envious of the people who live here,’ he said.

‘There is such a strong community spirit, and it is clear that everyone works together to make it that way.’

Gardeners Brett Moore and James Cordingley have their fingers crossed for the results next weekend, and are hoping that all their hard work will pay off.

Article posted on 10th July, 2009 - 10.01am