Spring floral spectacle: rhododendrons bloom at Castle Howard and the Arboretum

Castle Howard’s Ray Wood, a 25-acre ornamental woodland in the Gardens, boasts a collection of nearly 800 rhododendron species from around the world. It is a fantastic location for spring-flower lovers to see rhododendrons and azaleas in April and May.

The plant collection in Ray Wood, including the rhododendrons and azaleas, is of national importance. Ray Wood was planted and designed by the late James (Jim) Russell in 1968. The collection of plants is now managed by Castle Howard Arboretum Trust staff, with assistance from the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

In the 18th century, the 3rd Earl of Carlisle and his two architects Sir John Vanbrugh and Nicholas Hawksmoor designed an exciting woodland garden filled with statues, pavilions and water features; and Ray Wood was particularly distinguished by its meandering pathways which broke with the fashion for geometrical gardens. There is an anecdote that the pathways were so serpentine, that members of the Howard family once became lost in them. Ray Wood was clear-felled in the 1940s but when the wood was reinstated by James Russell and George Howard in the 1970s, these pathways were re-introduced.

James Russell was also instrumental in the initial planting of the rhododendron collection at the Castle Howard Arboretum, which boasts a colourful and vibrant collection, blooming in spring.

Jim Handley, Head of Landscape and Gardens at Castle Howard, said: “Ray Wood really must be seen to be believed in spring, particularly if you are a rhododendron fan. The burst of colour is absolutely spectacular and is best explored via the much-loved winding, maze-like paths. The Castle Howard Arboretum’s beautiful collection also shines in the spring months, with bright arrays from across the globe.”

Ray Wood is accessible with a Castle Howard Gardens ticket. Tickets for Castle Howard and the Arboretum are available online, with the option to purchase admission for both attractions for those looking for a flower-filled day out.

For full booking information please see www.castlehoward.co.uk