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The Orchid Foundation
The Eric Young Orchid Foundation does not make a song and dance about its presence in Jersey, but it is a tourist attraction and research centre of world repute
TUCKED away down a side road near Victoria Village is the Eric Young Orchid Foundation, an institution which, despite its obscure location, is of international importance.
At one level the foundation, with its hothouses full of gorgeous, exotic blooms, is one of the Island's tourist attractions.
At another level it is a research station and breeding centre of rare distinction staffed by some of the world's leading experts in the culture and hybridisation of orchids.
That the foundation enjoys this dual status is thanks to the man whose collection of plants and remarkable vision set the ball rolling more than four decades ago at his nursery at Mont Millais.
That man was, of course, Eric Young, who, according to Alan Moon, the foundation's dedicated curator until his retirement last year, combined an eccentrically intense love for his favourite group of plants with great personal kindness.
A combination of enthusiasm and the resources Mr Young was able to plough into growing orchids transformed his passion from a hobby into an important horticultural and scientific undertaking.
However, although many Islanders will be aware that sophisticated breeding programmes and research go on largely behind closed doors at the Victoria Village centre, it is the sheer splendour of the orchids themselves that impresses the man in the street.
The tremendous variety of forms and the riot of colours to be seen in the hothouses open to the public leaves a lasting impression even on those who have little personal interest in gardens and gardening let alone the finer points of plant breeding.
The work of the foundation may go on quietly in the background but it still manages to hit the headlines with great frequency through the number of awards it wins at major international shows. Since 1980 the foundation has exhibited at the Chelsea Flower Show on 18 occasions and has won 18 gold medals.
Eric Young died in 1984 and was unable to witness the full range of successes scored by the team he put together.
He was nevertheless instrumental in building an organisation which as well as giving great pleasure to Islanders and visitors, has made Jersey a key location in the world of international orchid culture.
This article first appeared in the Jersey Evening Post as part of the Pride in Jersey series, marking the Island's 1204-2004 celebrations.
author - Rob Shipley
This article updated: 2003/10/06 13:17:16
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| ......Daily Ditons...... |
La proprete r’lie par sus l’or.
Cleanliness is next to godliness.
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