A striking floral transformation is welcoming visitors to Raby this summer as Castle in Bloom brings colour, texture and scent to the historic building and its grounds.
Guests entering through the castle gates are met with a naturalistic archway designed by Deborah Simpson, of Periwinkle Barn, using soft grasses, British flowers and hedgerow blooms to create an enchanting welcome in keeping with the castle’s surroundings.
The installation continues through the medieval passage, drawing visitors inside with warm, fragrant textures.
Throughout the castle, nature has been reimagined in a series of contemporary displays. In the entrance hall, a suspended orb crafted from dried grasses represents the moon, while above in the Baron’s Hall, a 5ft wide “sun portal” of delicate dried flowers hangs before the grand windows, dancing around the centre point.
The installations, created by florist Anna Potter of Swallows and Damsons, explore contrasts between dark and light.
The mood changes downstairs, creating a magical, natural feeling with nature. The design uses grasses, mosses and vines to form a tactile walk way that creeps up the stairway.
Upstairs, vibrant blocks of colour and cascading threads of flowers create a breathtaking effect appearing to drift towards the ceiling.
The wider estate has also been brought into bloom, with the gardening team sowing a multi-coloured display of annual flowers across the terrace and grounds.
General manager Alan McKerchar said the project draws inspiration from the castle’s past, when flowers and plants would have filled the interiors, while gardens and landscape manager Dickon Harding added that the displays soften the imposing façade and create a colourful pathway for visitors.
Additional rooms feature bold, saturated floral designs by contributing creators, adding to the lived-in feel of the castle.
Castle in Bloom is running until August 31 and entry is included in all Castle, Park and Gardens tickets which are £23 for adults, £22 for concessions, £12 for children (ages 4-15 years) and £66 for a family ticket (two adults and two children). For further information visit raby.co.uk/events/castle-in-bloom
