A BLOOMIN' marvellous time is in store for visitors to Castle Howard this week, with magnificent flower arrangements in every room as part of the annual flower festival.

From amaryllis to zinnia, the festival, which started today, offers a showcase of all types of flowers and foliage, with the designs in each room carefully chosen to co-ordinate with their surroundings. A number of displays have been designed to reflect well-known aspects of the house, including a peacock with colourful plumes recreated in glorious blooms. The flower arrangements, nearly 40 in all, have been created by nine local florists and flower arranging enthusiasts under the guidance of Avril Roper, of J&A Flowers, Bedale.

She said: "Each year, we use between three and four thousand blooms, which come from all over the UK and beyond, with flowers brought up from the famous Covent Garden flower market and some specially imported from Holland."

A woodland themed arrangement in the Great Hall, using plants from Castle Howard's own plant centre. On Saturday and Sunday, the flower festival will be joined by a grand plant fair in the grounds, when unusual plants, pots and paraphernalia are on sale. Meanwhile, a horse-drawn carriage will arrive at Castle Howard on Friday bearing the wares of festival sponsors Warburtons. The festival runs from today until Sunday and admission is £7.50 for adults, £6.75 for concessions and £4.50 for children.