Gardeners who grow giant lilies need to be very patient – the rare Himalayan plant only flowers once every four to seven years - but when it does, it's a spectacular sight.

Luckily for us, the lilies at the beautiful Italianate village of Portmeirion, in Gwynedd, have chosen this year to bloom and mid-June is the best time to see them.

Cardiocrinum Giganteum can grow to more than seven-foot high, making them the largest of any of the lily plants. Their flowering, which lasts for up to three weeks, coincides with the North Wales Festival of Gardens - a series of events and activities taking place between 2nd and 17th June, which aims to promote the world class gardens found in this part of the world.

Portmeirion has a popular collection of Himalayan plants, to go with the village's fine architecture, coastal location and great choice of accommodation and eateries.

Find out more at the Portmeirion Village website.