FOUR gardens are opening across Cumbria on 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 NGS 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.

“Last year on the day of the openings everywhere was covered in a thick blanket of snow. This year we are hopeful of a wonderful sunny day to herald the start of spring.”

Dora’s Field will open along with neighbouring Rydal Hall, owned by the Diocese of Carlisle. People can also visit Holehird gardens, in Windermere, and Acorn Bank, at Temple Sowerby, owned by the National Trust.

Last year, NGS garden owners raised £3 million, benefitting nursing and caring charities, and horticultural education in England and Wales. Details of all garden openings can be found at www.ngs.org.uk