Karen Wright: Floral magic takes over Raby this summer
At the beginning of the month, I was invited to a press preview at Raby Castle of an attraction that is happening this summer from the beginning of May until the end of August.
It is called Raby in Bloom, and the castle, park and gardens will come alive with a vibrant programme of floral experiences and garden-inspired events including stunning floral installations inside the castle itself.
Before heading to the castle, we spent the night before at the High Force Hotel which is part of the Raby estate. The hotel is an old inn and boasts ten exquisite rooms that are all uniquely decorated and styled. Our room was unbelievably beautiful with three huge windows to the front and one side, so we were overlooking the glorious countryside. After a marvellous evening meal, a good night's sleeps and a hearty full English breakfast we were all set to drive to Raby and take in the treats in store there.
We were met by a member of the Raby team and were taken over to the magnificent medieval castle. We noticed that the grassed areas around the castle were dug up and it was explained to us that wildflower seeds had been scattered and that they were expected to grow quickly and provide a floral welcome to the castle this summer and then year on year afterwards.
Once inside the castle, the floral displays were quite simply stunning. The first display was a myriad of dried flowers, the like of which I haven't seen before. Apparently dried flowers are making a comeback as they are sustainable and, in that location, they were ideal. In the furnished rooms the displays were fantastic, colourful and so vibrant, all the flowers were artificial, but I couldn't tell at all. In one room with a piano it was all ferns and aspidistras, once again artificial but so realistic!
I really did enjoy the day, Raby is fabulous at the best of times but this summer with such a beautiful attraction it is a true delight to behold. There is a fabulous cafe, a shop, workshops, formal gardens, a playground, deer park and so much more to experience.
Next week's column is a bit of a cliffhanger. We are due to move house, we have signed the contracts but are awaiting exchange, will we stay or will we go? Watch this space!