FOUR gardens are opening across Cumbria this Sunday as part of the National Garden Scheme.

This year the event is marking the Lake District’s link with Wordsworth.

Carole Berryman, publicity officer for the National Garden Scheme in Cumbria, said Wordsworth left a double legacy to the Lake District.

“Not only his poem 'I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud', but also Dora's Field in Rydal, now owned by the National Trust, which he planted with native daffodils in memory of his daughter,” she said.

“If there is one striking confirmation of the gradual change in seasons, it comes in the form of the daffodil.

"Last year on the day of the openings everywhere was covered in a thick blanket of snow and there was hardly a single daffodil in view. This year we are hopeful of a wonderful sunny day to herald the start of spring.”

Dora’s Field at Rydal Mount will open along with neighbouring Rydal Hall, owned by the Diocese of Carlisle.

The gardens set in 34 acres have recently been restored and include formal Italianate gardens designed by Thomas Mawson in 1911.

There is also an informal woodland garden, leading to a 17th century viewing station, herbaceous planting, a community vegetable garden, orchard and apiary.

People can also visit Holehird gardens in Windermere - with stunning views towards the lake and one of the best labelled gardens in the UK.

Further afield is Acorn Bank at Temple Sowerby, owned by the National Trust.

Ms Berryman said its sheltered and tranquil walled garden also offers nearby woodland walks with wonderful displays of daffodils and wild flowers.

The NGS, which celebrates its 87th anniversary this year, organises the opening of almost 4000 gardens in England and Wales.

Lasy year, NGS garden owners raised £3 million - benefitting nursing and caring charities and horticultural education in England and Wales.

Gardeners across the Lakes raised £60k in 2013. Details of all garden openings can be found at www.ngs.org.uk