Bumper crop for 60ft Christmas garland

Just part of the 60ft-long flower garland that hangs in the Great Hall at Cotehele

A bumper growing season has led to 38,000 flowers being used in a Christmas garland.

The festive tradition at the National Trust's Cotehele site, in Cornwall, started in 1956.

The process of making the garland takes a year from sowing seeds, harvesting and drying the flowers for them to be ready to be carefully used in the garland which is about 60ft (18m) long.

Gardener Kay Lyle, who is in charge of it for the first time, said: "We've had a phenomenal year for growing. I think the combination of a really good summer and that nice balance of sun but not too much wet, the plants loved it and grew in massive numbers."

The garland is housed in the Great Hall - this year marks its 69th year

Ms Lyle said they "had a bumper crop this year" for flowers and she had been able to choose a mixture of colours, instead of the themed design that featured in 2024.

She said: "There's always challenges when we make the garland. We're up against the time, we've got to get it finished and ready to open to the public."

Christine Payne, 80, who has been a volunteer at Cotehele for 16 years, said: "The colours are outstanding, the flowers look bigger and more colourful this year. we've had such an amazing season weather-wise.

"It just looks stunning.

"I love this time of the year because we're all busy and all enjoying everything.

"And it's really lovely after Christmas, it's so quiet in the garden and peaceful and there's a different atmosphere again."

It is the 69th year the garland has been housed in the Great Hall and this year it goes on display from Saturday.

Christine Payne, 80, has worked on the garland as a volunteer for 16 years