Tribute to Cornish National Trust Cotehele's traditional Christmas garland

For the first time since 1956, National Trust property Cotehele locked in Calstock, East Cornwall, saw its traditional Christmas garland having to be cancelled due to the lockdown restrictions. The team at Cotehele have put around 2000 dried flowers that were meant to be in this year's garland in a tribute display for visitors to enjoy instead. The garden at Cotehele will have additional festive touches to bring Christmas cheer while guests wander around the grounds.

Each year, the team at Cotehele spend eleven months planning and growing the garland. However, this year plans have been adjusted as there was a lot less time available for planting and growing the usual 30,000 flowers needed for a traditional display. After having explored all options to allow the Christmas tradition to continue within Cotehele's Great Hall, the team stuck on creating a small display inspired by the usual garland within the archway of Hall Court, featuring around 2,000 flowers.

Dave Bouch, National Trust Head Gardener for Cotehele said: "A garland has always featured at Cotehele since the first was created in 1956. However, this will be the first time the Christmas tradition has moved outside into the open space of Hall Court The safety of staff, volunteers and visitors is always our priority. Although we are disappointed that we are unable to create the usual 60ft garland within the Great Hall, we are pleased to be able to allow the yearly tradition to continue with a smaller creation celebrating the garland's past."

The garden and wider estate remain open for visitors to enjoy over the winter. To avoid disappointment, everyone should book their visit to the garden at Cotehele in advance via nationaltrust.org.uk/cotehele