Glow-in-the-Dark Floral Pasture Supports Worldwide Wildlife Conservation Initiatives
On the petite island of Jersey, situated in the core of the English Channel, summer has swiftly enveloped the Jersey Zoo. Yet, together with the zoo’s usual flora, something more surprising has emerged: a vibrant meadow featuring almost 5,000 flowers, each made from eco-friendly recycled castor oil and plant materials.
Entitled Bloom and conceived by British artist Stuart Semple, this installation stands as a meaningful homage to Gerald Durrell, the zoo’s founder and a celebrated conservationist, in the year that would have marked his centennial birthday. The six varieties of flowers showcased in Bloom—chrysanthemums, freesias, roses, scarlet pimpernel, crocuses, and pink magnolias—represent some of Durrell’s favorites, all arranged in a 7-by-7 meter (approximately 23-by-23 foot) rainbow grid.
“I know Gerry would’ve cherished seeing this meadow emerge in the courtyard of his beloved Les Augres Manor, where he resided for so many years,” said Durrell’s honorary director, Lee Durrell, in a statement. “The [installation] symbolizes the diverse members of the Durrell community, from donors and staff to visitors and global supporters.”
During daylight, the flowers in Bloom emerge with their lively petals, each meticulously hand-painted and crafted to evoke nature’s splendor and the crucial significance, as Durrell believed, of preserving it. At night, Semple’s flowers are equally striking, radiating a gentle glow due to the artist’s unique “Lit” glow-in-the-dark paint, which was applied as a finishing touch. Overall, the surreal meadow is an organic and dynamic tribute not only to Durrell’s environmental vision but also to ecological responsibility, particularly in light of the growing climate crisis.
“This project is incredibly meaningful to me, because since my visit to Jersey Zoo as an 8-year-old, it has held a special place in my heart,” Semple remarked regarding Bloom. “I’m sure you would agree that now more than ever, Gerry’s philosophy, ecology, and conservation are essential for our planet.”
Although much of Semple’s work emphasizes artistic accessibility, Bloom raises the concept to new levels by providing these limited-edition flowers for sale. The flowers can be purchased individually or as a bouquet, with all profits directly aiding the Durrell Trust’s worldwide mission to prevent species extinction.
“The simple act of acquiring a flower possesses the potential to drive change and support global wildlife conservation,” the Durrell Trust states.
Semple adds: “This is your opportunity to assist wildlife and habitats by backing the incredible work that Durrell accomplishes.”
The flowers featured in Bloom will be showcased at the Jersey Zoo until September 30, 2025, before being packaged and sent to purchasers to appreciate at home. To find out more about the initiative, visit the Durrell Trust website.
Exhibition information:
Stuart Semple
Bloom
June 6, 2025–September 30, 2025
Jersey Zoo
La Profonde Rue Trinity, JE3 5BP, Jersey, Channel Islands, UK
Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust: Website | Instagram
Stuart Semple: Website | Facebook