THE gardeners at Cotehele have totted up 36,160 dried flowers for their annual Christmas garland.

The staff, volunteers and members of the public at the National Trust property have been putting the finishing touches to the meticulous process of creating the longest Christmas garland at any trust property in the country.

Dave Bouch, Cotehele's head gardener, said: 'My target every year is 26,000 flowers so this has been an exceptionally good growing and drying year. This year the yellow and orange straw flowers have done really well and we're looking forward to seeing how they will all come together.'

All of the flowers are picked and dried in the garden at Cotehele; seeds were sown in early spring, flower picking began in May and each flower is being added one by one to create a stunning 60ft garland, which forms an integral part of the Christmas display at the property.

From Saturday, November 22, the spectacular result can be seen daily until December 31, except December 25 and 26.

Dave said: 'It will be satisfying to look up at the colourful garland and reflect what a sunny summer we had and what the gardens provided all year long. If you've not seen the garland at Cotehele, you must.

'A visit to the garland will undoubtedly become one of your family's annual Christmas traditions.'

l Pictured above are children from Harrowbarrow Primary School with the beautiful garland.

Picture by James Bird