Seed is Planted for Summer Floral Festival Week

ST PETERPORT, Guernsey, June 17, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --

Floral Guernsey's 2011 Summer Festival Week programme has been announced. With a packed schedule of events over nine days from the 9^th - 17^th July, this year's Festival Week offers something for every age and interest.

With a focus on education and inspiration, a series of workshops will offer advice and guidance on making the most of your garden. One of the highlights of the week will be a visit to the Island by author, television presenter and gardening expert Alys Fowler. As well as hosting the Community Competition Awards evening, Alys will be hosting two workshops during her stay.

Also on offer are planting mornings for children, seeding and propagation workshops and masterclasses for the more advanced growers. For those not keen on getting their hands so dirty, open gardens, floral walks and growing talks form part of the busy programme too.

Nikki Symons, Floral Guernsey's Administrator commented, "The drive of the Festival Week is to showcase and share the wealth of talent and expertise we have here on Guernsey and at the same time provide gardening enthusiasts with ideas for their own projects.

"By opening up private gardens or even enjoying public areas in the company of an expert guide, we can spark a curiosity that motivates and inspires more people to get outside enjoying the garden and appreciating our beautiful Island," she added.

Festival Week sponsor Skipton International (http://www.skiptoninternational.com) has supported Floral Guernsey for the last 15 years and Managing Director Jim Coupe plans to attend a number of the programme's events.

"Initiatives like Floral Guernsey are a great way to bring the community together and rediscover what makes us proud of Guernsey. The Island's growing heritage still thrives in the parishes and private gardens of dedicated local enthusiasts and the Floral Guernsey events provide a fantastic opportunity to join in and share ideas and learn," he said.

As well as two spectacular open garden events, there will be other opportunities to observe the hard work of parish community groups with a series of guided walks taking in both public and private land. To coincide with the Floral Guernsey Community Competition judging, parish representatives will be conducting tours through the competition judging routes - providing an insight into the hard work that is put in by teams of volunteers to keep the parishes looking beautiful.

Full details of the Summer Schedule can be found at http://www.floralguernsey.co.uk or pick up a leaflet from the Guernsey Information Centre.

Notes to Editors

About Floral Guernsey

Floral Guernsey was formed many years ago as an extension of the States Tourist Board to promote floral events throughout the Bailiwick of Guernsey. Floral Guernsey is now an independent organisation run almost entirely by volunteers and funded by a combination of States Grants, through Culture and Leisure and private sponsorship.

The broad scope of projects in the organisation's remit make a real impact on the environment of the Bailiwick for the benefit of both residents and visitors alike. The involvement of all parts of the community is an essential aim and, in fact, many hundreds of people are involved in the various areas of activity carried out.

Summer Festival Week

The Festival Week runs from Saturday July 9^th to Sunday July 17^th 2011.

For further information on any of the events or to arrange an interview with the Council, organisers or participants, please contact Hannah Wakefield on [email protected] or +44(0)1481-727699

For further information please contact Nikki Symons, Floral Guernsey Administrator on [email protected]

SOURCE Skipton International