WORK has started on the famous Garland at the National Trust's Cotehele. Each year the Garland is constructed, during November, by a team of staff and volunteers, under the scrutiny of visitors to the hall in the house. The spectacular result can be seen daily, except Christmas and Boxing days, up to the end of the year.

This unique garland is constructed from flowers that are grown and dried on the estate, with approximately 23,500 being used this year.

Dave Bouch, head gardener at Cotehele, said: 'Each year the garland is different, depending on which of the specially grown flowers and grasses crop best. This year we have had an abundance of limonium suworowii, which are better known as pink pokers or Russian rats tails. As their name suggests these are long fronds of delicate pink flowers and they are giving the garland a particularly spiky appearance this year.'

Staff at Cotehele have been especially pleased by the amount of help they have been given this year by local garden groups.

Mr Bouch added: 'Any garden groups in the area are welcome to come along to give us a hand as we are really working against the clock to have the garland completed by the end of this week. The garden team have been starting at 7am each day and working long into the dark evenings. Just give me a ring on 01579 352726 if your group would like to join us.'