KEEN gardeners can witness a spectacular event at Dunham Massey as their giant lilies begin to flower - something that happens only once every seven years.

The plants bloom to create a superb display of spikes and purple-throated white flowers at a towering 3.5 metres tall for around a week in June before they start to die.

If the weather stays sunny they could last up to two weeks, but if it rains the plants could be damaged.

Head gardener Damian Harris, 34, said: “If you come on the right day, the scene is amazing. They look their best for two or three days in the middle of the week.”

Damian said that in 15 years working for the National Trust, he has only seen the event once before..

He added: “When the spikes come up in the morning, you can see a difference in the afternoon - it can grow up to 10 feet in two weeks.”

Damian said that the plants are unpredictable, and his advice is to get there early in the morning and keep checking the park’s page at the National Trust website, or call the park on 0161 941 1025.

The garden is open daily from 11am-5:30pm and the park 9am - 5.30pm