The idea for a Victor Hugo Garden in Guernsey was first suggested in 2019 by VisitGuernsey, who also funded the project. The Victor Hugo in Guernsey Society was asked for advice, and were thrilled to be involved in such an inspired and inspiring project. Candie Gardens, a late Victorian park in St Peter Port, Guernsey’s capital, was identified as the ideal situation for the Garden.
VisitGuernsey and TVHiGS asked Raymond Evison OBE, VMH, FLS, to design the Garden. Raymond has lived in Guernsey for many years and runs his very successful nursery business from the island, sending clematis and other plants around the world from his base here. He has spent six decades searching for and breeding the world’s best clematis, developing and introducing over one hundred clematis varieties and cultivars, many of which have featured in his gold medal-winning exhibits at the Chelsea Flower Show. Raymond, who like Victor Hugo has as one of his greatest passions the conservation of nature, is a plantsman who often travels around the world lecturing and on plant-finding expeditions. Amongst many offices he has held, he is a Vice-president of the Royal Horticultural Society, an Honorary Fellow of the Kew Guild and A Fellow of the Linnaean Society of London. VisitGuernsey and The Victor Hugo in Guernsey Society were delighted and honoured when Raymond agreed to design the Victor Hugo Garden, volunteering his time and expertise without charge.