Gardeners search for old flower

Gardeners at an historic Warwickshire castle are searching to find a species of flower fit to greet a Queen.

Staff at Kenilworth Castle are working to recreate a garden similar to the one which would have been there when Elizabeth I visited.

They are searching for carnation varieties which would have been around in the 16th Century.

So far only two have been found and staff at English Heritage would like anyone who can help to contact them.

Exotic and spicy

Earlier varieties of carnation are different to the ones around today.

Head gardener John Watkins said they had a spicy, exotic scent which could make eyes water.

English Heritage is also working to create special carnation pots which will display the plants and their flowers as Elizabeth I would have known them.

A spokesman said the garden was due to open in May 2009.

It is based on the garden the castle's then owner, Robert Dudley, created when the Queen came to visit him. It is thought he created a romantic garden in the hopes the Queen would agree to marry him.

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