THE blooming rhododendrons of Ray Wood, the woodland garden at Castle Howard, have scooped top place at RHS Harlow Carr’s annual Rhododendron Competition.

The garden won eight out of 13 possible first prizes and several other places. Among the winners were a perfect head of the Himalayan Rhododendron hodgsonii, an arrangement of rhododendron foliage and trios of red-flowering specimens.

Dr John Grimshaw, director of the Yorkshire Arboretum which maintains the collection with the help of a dedicated group of volunteers, said: "Showing these beautiful flowers helps us celebrate the hard-earned restoration of this exceptional garden, which has enabled the plants to flourish once more."

A wide range of rhododendron species varying in foliage, size and flower are currently in bloom in the botanical garden; among them are specimens collected by the great plant hunters of the early 20th century which are just part of the exceptional plant collection.

Castle Howard gardens are open daily from 10am, the house is open from 10.30am. Castle Howard’s stable courtyard with gift shop, farm shop, garden centre and café is open every day.

For more information, visit castlehoward.co.uk