The Arctic conditions a few months ago have turned a 24-acre woodland garden into a floral paradise, with the carpet of snow making way for a carpet of white petals.

But potential visitors to Lukesland Gardens in Ivybridge need to be quick as the garden is now in its final week before closing for the Summer on June 10. The garden will re-open on Sunday, October 7 for Autumn colour.

A spokesman for the gardens said: “This has been a wonderful flowering year generally, perhaps helped by the cold snap in March, and Lukesland’s three huge Handkerchief Trees (Davidia involucrata) are no exception.  Absolutely laden with white bracts, they are an incredible sight, with the ’hankies’ fluttering in the breeze.”

Also out at this time of year are the highly scented white Wisterias, cascading from the Tudor wall in the formal part of the 24-acre garden, and massive white Arboreum Rhododendrons. 

Lukesland is open on Suns and Weds 11am - 5pm until June 10.