CHERRY, apple and pear trees in Cotehele's oldest orchard are coming into full bloom in one of the best displays ever.

The very cold December, combined with an extra-dry March, has caused the blossoms to come on earlier than usual and Cotehele's orchard officer Chris Groves is urging everyone not to miss this year's fabulous show.

'This is a fantastic time in the orchards,' he says. 'Cold winters make for better blossoms and the trees are alive with bees and activity. Plus, I saw the first swallows and swifts returning to nest yesterday.'

Cotehele's old orchard, which dates back to before 1731, is located just to the west of Cotehele House. More of a meadow than a cultivated orchard, the trees are all different shapes and ages. They are planted haphazardly with a path winding informally through it, creating a mystical, peaceful feel to the whole area.

If the ubiquitous pink and white blossoms aren't enough, the birdsong, buzzing bees and variety of fragrance in the orchard are sure to wake up the senses.

Chris says that Cotehele gardeners do not have to do anything to pollinate the trees. 'I enjoy letting the bees do the work so the rest of us can enjoy the fruit in summer and autumn.'

Because there are so many varieties of trees, Cotehele's blossom rolling display is expected to last from now until the middle of May.