Cotehele’s annual tradition of building a 60ft Christmas garland made up of thousands of flowers grown on the estate is turning 60 years old, and the team at the National Trust house and garden are celebrating. 

In honour of its diamond year, the gardeners have been sowing secret plans all year to give it a new look. 

‘We’ve had a lot of fun growing a different assortment of flowers this year and we’re all waiting with anticipation to see what it will look like,’ says Cotehele Head Gardener Dave Bouch. ‘If you want a hint, consider it’s a ‘diamond’ anniversary.’ 

When they are finished, they will have created a 60ft garland overhead containing 31,200 flowers plus a 40ft extension around the east doorway with another 7,920 flowers (39,120 in total) all grown and dried on the estate.  

The garland will be completed and on display daily between November 12 and December 31 (closed Christmas and Boxing Day). It’s due to be unveiled to the media on November 8.

There’s a film about Cotehele’s garland at http://youtu.be/_JDAdjCTaAY?list=UUn7AVPnhUdtScCSEwyQIfDw