Award-winning clematis snapped up by islanders

400 Chelsea Flower Show gold-awarded clematis were put up for sale at the Guernsey Clematis Nursery, inviting an influx of people to squeeze into the Route Militaire site.

More than half of the clematis were sold in the first half hour and had completely sold out by 11.05am.

‘These are the clematis that we brought back from Chelsea Flower Show and thought it would be nice to sell them locally so they can thrive in Guernsey gardens,’ said Raymond Evison, the 33-times gold medal Chelsea Flower Show winner.

‘We thought we advertised it low-key but there are so many people here that cars are queuing to get in.’

The clematis were pruned and ready to be planted in pots in a garden of any size, and different species were available to cater for each gardener’s needs.

The plant sale was set to raise money for the Guernsey Botanical Trust, set up by Mr Evison, and the Victoria Walled Kitchen Garden at Saumarez Park, which the trust restored and maintains.

Ann Hunt picked up three different types of clematis for her own garden.

‘These are award-winning clematis, so that’s why I specifically came down here this morning,’ she said.

‘My dad was the green-fingered one but I’m hoping that they do well in my garden.

‘The clematis will bloom later this year, and with good care, perennially after.’

20% of the funds from the sale will go to the Guernsey Botanical Trust.