Half a million flowers are in full bloom outside Ham House in Richmond as part of a new garden installation.

The National Trust, which administers the seventeenth century mansion, helped commission the planting of 500,000 bulbs in anticipation of the warmer weather.

However, the spectacular sight of so many purple flowers now blooming in Springtime was largely thanks to Ham House's Head Gardner Rosie Fyles, the Trust said.

Ms Fyles said that the striking new garden was in-keeping with the grandiose impression visitors to Ham House were designed to have ever since its completion 1610.

Ms Fyles said: "From the grand entrance to the extravagant interiors, everything about Ham House was designed to impress. The gardens were no exception.

"To the 17th century eye, kept lawns were a truly awe-inspiring sight, possible only through the dedication of an entire team of gardeners. We set out to create a garden area that inspires that same ‘wow’ from today’s garden lovers."

The chief gardener added that her team had worked diligently to make sure that the flowers not only looked great but grew harmoniously alongside the other flora and fauna in the grounds too.

Ms Fyles said: "We hope the new garden will give people a tranquil place to enjoy nature and spend time together.

"The ideas we’ve used could easily work in any garden so we hope that visitors can get inspired by what they see too."

Ham House and Garden is open 7 days a week, with the garden open from 10am-5pm, and the house 12pm-4pm. Adult entry for the house and garden is £12.50 (National Trust Members go free).

Free thirty minute Garden History tours are also available with one of Ham’s knowledgeable garden guides. Tours run at 11.30am and 1:30pm on weekdays and 11.30, 1.30 and 2.30 at weekends. (Booking not necessary, admission applies)