IT’S a bedding plant with a difference. A giant Georgian “bed” has been installed in Beningbrough Hall’s grounds to mark the start of its Big Green Festival, which will celebrate everything green this weekend.

The replica of the baroque crimson damask State Bed, which is on display inside the hall, has been made with red plants and a peat-free compost mattress. It uses rainwater and capillary matting to water the plants and harvests water into chamber pots underneath.

The “bed” was being tried out for comfort yesterday by Clare Fletcher, learning and community officer for the National Trust at Beningbrough Hall, pictured above.

The festival will also include local food, crafts and green-living product stalls, activities and workshops.

Visitor services manager Jacquelyn Crofts said: “This is the biggest event we’ve ever held at Beningbrough, with so much going on. The red bed is the first outdoor installation we’ll have had in place and will be such a spectacular centrepiece to the whole event.”