Gardeners spring into action

DESPITE the ongoing winter weather, Herm is firmly in the swing of spring with the first of the 2013 island garden tours taking place this week.

Behind the scenes, storm-damaged trees are being cut down and chopped up for firewood and the campsite is being trimmed and spruced up ready for opening.

But even as the clean-up from the recent blizzard is ongoing, the gardeners are ensuring that the public areas are tidy, beautiful and visitor-ready.

Head gardener Brett Moore will hold garden tours every Tuesday at 11am from now until September. It is the perfect opportunity for guests to learn all about the island's flora and fauna from an expert.

Winners of last year's RHS Britain in Bloom Gold award, Brett and assistant gardener Roseanne Wheeler are trained and knowledgeable about all areas of outdoor Herm. Guests who attend the tours are welcome to ask questions, learn a bit of history or just enjoy the walk.

Herm's mild climate and rare frosts mean tropical plants can thrive alongside traditional English country wildflowers, making for a unique horticultural experience.

It isn't any wonder we were this week voted number one in the Daily Mirror's top 10 island breaks.

To provide guests with more information, a new Herm visitors' guide is now available from the island gift shops. It contains a wealth of general information about the island and specific details about gardens, flowers and birds. There is even a top 10 of island plants as chosen by the gardening team.