VISITORS searching for the secrets to a North Yorkshire stately home's immaculate gardens will be in for a treat this weekend.

Staff at Castle Howard have been working hard to put together an unusual display of gardening glories.

Horticultural equipment through the ages forms the exhibition, which runs from 10am until 4pm on Saturday and Sunday, showcasing items used by generations of gardeners who have been tending the grounds for 300 years.

The star attraction will be a rare 'pony mower', which was used in the early 1900s and has been donated by local man Roger Burnett.

Nicole Hingley, from Castle Howard, said: "The pony mower must have seemed a godsend to the huge team who had previously hand cut the 50 acres of lawns to perfection.

"It meant covering 47 miles for each cut, although nowadays machines have advanced so much that the same distance can be covered in hours rather than weeks."

Staff are hoping for success with an appeal for a well-trained horse with a bit of time to spare - so that the restored pony mower can once again be put to use on at least part of the vast acres of grass in the gardens.

Tours in the gardens will also run this weekend as human statues come to life and a Latin jazz band stands by to entertain everyone.

The roses are coming to their best and should not be missed, added Nicole. The Castle Howard gardening team will be on hand to answer any questions about the equipment and their work at the stately home.

Updated: 08:53 Thursday, June 26, 2003