English Heritage has spent over a year painstakingly recreating the garden once known as the "Glory of England" and wants to finish it off authentically by planting carnation varieties that were available to 16th Century gardeners.

Unlike the modern version, which are better known for being found wrapped in cellophane on a garage forecourt, 400 years ago the carnation was considered one of the most beautiful flowers around.

It is hoped they will provide the finishing touches to the garden at Kenilworth Castle, Warwicks, where the Queen was romanced by Robert Dudley, the Earl of Leicester.

John Watkins, English Heritage's Head of Gardens and Landscape, said the older varieties are easy to spot because of some striking characteristics, predominantly a spicy, exotic scent which, he said, can be "strong enough to make the eyes water."