A NEW feature to open at the Lakeland Horticultural Society's 12-acre garden at Holehird in Windermere is a glasshouse.

The charitable society welcomes more than 25,000 visitors every year and its main objectives are to promote the science, practice and art of horticulture.

Until now, it has not had any plants within its greenhouses. But the plan now is to place static plants in containers on the Victorian display benches to the sides of the glasshouse while a centre bench will feature ever-changing examples of plants being grown elsewhere in garden beds

The glasshouse, which replace an old propagating greenhouse in the walled garden, has been paid for by generous project donations.

“We wanted a glasshouse that our visitors can enjoy while exploring the garden," said John Ashley, of The Lakeland Horticultural Society. "We are delighted with our new lean-to structure with porch, it allows some plants to be directly planted in the soil to climb up the Grade II listed back wall.

"“Central to our thinking has also been the accessibility for disabled or wheelchair visitors to also enjoy our new venture. Since the display house has been built, which is presently being planted up, there have been no end of very favourable comments as to its suitability and design from volunteers and visitors alike. The society really does see this new addition as a worthy enhancement to the gardens.”