REG’S Garden, a well-loved spot visited by Islanders and tourists, is closing and being put up for sale after serving for decades as a venue for community and charity events.
Islander Reg Langlois, who for almost 30 years has opened his St Brelade home and garden to the public, announced on social media that he would be selling the property. The decision follows the recent loss of his wife, Mary, who was his partner for 64 years.
Islanders have paid their respects to Mary and shared fond memories of the garden in response to his announcement.
They remembered Mary as “an incredible woman” and Reg’s “lifelong companion”.
One Islander said: “Mary was a wonderful lady and brought such a ray of sunlight into your beautiful garden.
Another added: “The magical garden will be in people’s hearts for generations.”
The garden was opened by Mr Langlois in 1994 as part of his retirement and became a free attraction visited by about 15,000 people each year.
It has been a venue for various events, including weddings, children’s parties, charity functions, music concerts and performances.
Spanning 1.5 acres, the garden has, over the years, featured a 240-seat amphitheatre, a koi carp pond, an illuminated pirate ship, a jewellery shop, an alpine garden, a fairy garden, a tea garden, a barbecue area, and a rescue terrapin sanctuary.
It was designed to be accessible to everyone and included a wheelchair swing, wheelchair-accessible paths, disabled toilets and parking for 200 cars.
Mr Langlois had initially planned to close the garden in 2015, but was inspired to keep it open after being named Fundraiser of the Year at the JEP’s Pride of Jersey Awards.
