Spring garden lovers will be delighted to hear that one of Cornwall's most famous private gardens, Caerhays Castle Gardens, will be opening its gates once again this March, in time to exhibit its spectacular spring blooms. Last year the gardens again extended their spring opening times.

A sneak preview can be seen through the newly launched Caerhays website - /www.caerhays.co.uk>www.caerhays.co.uk.

The click of a mouse will enable users to easily acquire information on everything from the fascinating story of the plant collectors who travelled throughout China and the Himalayas - and who were instrumental in making the gardens what they are today - to the history of the castle.

The site also gives an added insight in to Caerhays' other delights, such as the extensive range of woodland trees and shrubs. Users can take a 'virtual tour' around the wonderful walks, amongst stunning magnolias, brightly coloured rhododendrons, bluebell covered woods and flourishing camellias.

Caerhays holds the coveted 'National Collection of Magnolias', granted by the National Council for the Conservation of Plants & Gardens (NCCPG).

The only garden in the West of England to hold this designation for magnolias, Caerhays is currently home to 40 species of magnolia, 170 named cultivars and some 250 (as yet) un-named seedlings. Every variety ever dreamt can be discovered, marvelled over and excitingly perused - even before entering the gardens - on line!

Caerhays Castle, is owned by the Williams family and is located in a sheltered valley overlooking Porthluney Cove on the Roseland Peninsula.

The surrounding parkland and woodland gardens were created originally from the discoveries of the plant hunters in China shortly after the turn of the 20th century. Since then a great deal of hybridisation work and especially the creation of the first x williamsii camellias has taken place at Caerhays to create the extensive woodland gardens which visitors can admire and enjoy today.

It is very much a spring garden and is at its best in March, April and May. In fact the garden is only open at present for these complete three months (seven days a week). The castle, where the family still live is only open for more limited periods. The 100 acre garden at Caerhays contains a combination of both spectacular spring displays of enormous tree magnolias

rhododendrons and camellias as well as a huge range of rare woodland trees and shrubs originating primarily from China.

Magnolia Mrs D F Williams and Magnolia Gold Star are just two of over 40 species of magnolia, maglietia and michelia in the Caerhays collection. Alongside this there are a further 170 named cultivars and some 250 (as yet) unnamed seedlings. In addition Caerhays has imported a range of new cultivars from China. Further additions to the collection have come from New Zealand, France, Holland, Belgium and Switzerland. In the last two springs some 30 new cultivars have been planted out to add to the collection.

Jaimie Parsons, the head gardener at Caerhays has been largely responsible for the new labelling of the Caerhays collection and for the computer listings and history of the full collection.

The gardens will be open from March 1- June 1, 7 days a week, 10am - 5.30pm

Conducted tours of the house will run between March 17- May 9, Monday - Friday only