Public enjoy visiting Castle Carey’s private gardens

The site was one of three private gardens that has opened its gates to the public for two weekends in partnership with the Queen’s Nursing Institute.

Janet Dewhurst and John Carpenter, who are from Manchester, had visited the gardens to fill some time, and were amazed at the size and details included.

‘We didn’t know what to expect when we came here today but it’s a beautiful place, absolutely stunning,’ said Mr Carpenter.

‘The fauna is absolutely fantastic and lots of credit is deserved.’

The pair often visit open gardens in the UK, and were impressed by the quality they found at Castle Carey, situated in L'Hyvreuse near Cambridge Park.

‘This garden is much bigger than the ones we typically see in the UK.

‘I love the sculptures and that there a lots of different parts to the garden,’ said Ms Dewhurst.

Guernsey’s eight Queen’s Nurses have had busy period preparing for the opening.

‘We started preparing in 2019, the Channel Islands’ Queen’s Nurse group met up and had the initiative to get the national garden scheme to Guernsey,’ said Patricia McDermott, who was on the organising team.

‘With the help of Raymond Evison, he pointed us in the right direction and advised us of some garden owners who potentially could be interested, and after meeting with several we had three that agreed.’

Organisers Ellie Phillips and Alison Carney added that they were relieved that the garden was finally open.

‘It’s lovely to now look around and see so many people exploring and enjoying the grounds.'

Castle Carey, along with Saumarez Park’s Victorian Walled Garden and Le Grand Dixcart in Sark, are also open to the public next weekend to raise money for nursing charities.

The organisers hope that the open gardens this year will inspire other garden owners in the Bailiwick to get involved with the project next year.