On our 3rd day on Jersey (Channel Islands) it was our day to look after Anita's mum and dad and they decided that they wanted to visit the Battle of Flowers Museum.
The museum was founded by Florence Bechelet (now 91 years young) a prolific exhibitor in the Wild Flower class for some 60 years. She only uses two grasses; Marram & Harestails, originally picked from the wild but now, for conservation reasons, she has to grow everything she needs.
After picking the thousands of grasses, each seed head is individually colour dyed before being glued onto a wire frame covered in material for each piece that makes up the whole display. In addition the wooden float base, which can measure up to 25 feet long has to covered. This has to be a labour of pure love and takes months to complete. It was incredible to see the detail achieved and that many of the exhibits are still dropping seeds from the grass heads. As you can appreciate rodent control is paramount to prevent damage but all the exhibits are also protected by chicken wire to stop visitors touching the flowers but this doesn't help when you want to take photos!
ArcticExplorer
A very colourful Totem Pole
'Caged' animals
Below a tribute to Queen Elizabeth II - impressive detail.
At the end of our tour Anita's mum and dad had another surprise as the museum owner, Florence Bechelet, who is secretly working on this years exhibit, came out to meet them for a chat.
This one found the seed feder but was more interested in looking elsewhere.
After picking the thousands of grasses, each seed head is individually colour dyed before being glued onto a wire frame covered in material for each piece that makes up the whole display. In addition the wooden float base, which can measure up to 25 feet long has to covered. This has to be a labour of pure love and takes months to complete. It was incredible to see the detail achieved and that many of the exhibits are still dropping seeds from the grass heads. As you can appreciate rodent control is paramount to prevent damage but all the exhibits are also protected by chicken wire to stop visitors touching the flowers but this doesn't help when you want to take photos!
ArcticExplorer
A very colourful Totem Pole
'Caged' animals
Below a tribute to Queen Elizabeth II - impressive detail.
At the end of our tour Anita's mum and dad had another surprise as the museum owner, Florence Bechelet, who is secretly working on this years exhibit, came out to meet them for a chat.
A selection of the vintage vehicles parked in front of the Manor house.
The Jersey Rosarians were holding their annual Rose show and these a just a few of the glorious flower displays.
All the roses were exhibited inside a marquee but far too many to photograph so here is just one of the fabulous blooms.
The gardens were created in the 1920's by millionare shipping magnate and philanthropist, Sir James Knott. They offer exceptional environmental conditions for growing an extensive range of plants and much of the original planting still remains.
Calendula's through the bottom of the barge.
During our stroll we met and chatted to a 'real' Jerseyman. This was the 'Storyteller' who is a close friend of the Signour of the Manor and his beaming smile tells you everything about his inner spirit and love for this place.
These are annuals in the Exotic Garden (sorry forgot the plant name!).
Yeh, I need a rest from the heat as well!.JPG)
A view down onto the pathway that splits the Herb and Rose & Lavender Gardens. Established for over 20 years and and one of the most comprehensive in Europe this was the inspiration of John Brookes, the internationally renowned garden designer and author.
Aeonium in the "Hot Garden" enjoying the baking conditions.
A peaceful location to meditate.
Part of the Shade Garden.
An friendly 'Australasian' imigrant enjoying the cool, if muddy water, on one of the small pools.
Part of the Japanese Garden.
One of the many Water Lilies.
I took a rest in the shade with the gentle sound of water at my feet..JPG)
...and finally, Percy, the carthouse in the paddock.
