120 named varieties of tulip will be on display at this year’s event, including ‘Pink Impression’, the deep rose pink petals of which will frame the enchanting water rill ponds. On display for the first time will be the glamorous ‘Carnival de Rio’, which is as flamboyant as the Brazilian festival it is named after.
Head Gardener Martin Duncan commented: “The Tulip Festival is a real highlight of the season at Arundel Castle, with months of planning going into the event. The long hours of bulb-planting during the closed season are more than worth it when the gardens explode into colour.”
“Visitors will be able to see a breath-taking range of tulips during the festival. One of my personal favourites is the ‘La Belle Epoque’, a new variety for the Castle which is the most incredible coffee mousse colour, flushed with pink. I hope visitors will be as spellbound by the displays as the gardening team and I are each year.”
Keen gardeners should also take the time to visit the Castle’s first ever Plant Fair on 29 April, as well as in May and June when thousands of pom-pom headed Alliums will take over the Castle gardens and grounds in the annual Allium Extravaganza.
A season pass for the gardens is £35, and can be purchased from the Castle ticket office. Private guided tours of the gardens can also be arranged in advance by contacting the Castle on 01903 882173 extension 230.
The Castle gardens, the design of which was conceived by the Duchess of Norfolk, will reopen on Good Friday (30 March) from 10am until 5pm, Tuesday to Sunday, Mondays in August and Bank Holiday Mondays. Tickets start from £13. For more information regarding the gardens and all the events taking place at the Castle please visit: www.arundelcastle.org