GREEN Door – the region’s longest-established artists’ collective – is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year.

The group has joined forces with the Lakeland Horticultural Society for an exhibition which celebrates 50 years of the society at Holehird Gardens and 25 years of Green Door.

The exhibition is due to run at the Gaddum Gallery, Brockhole on Windermere, from April 3 to May 31 - although the public can check on the website www.greendoor.org.uk for any changes which may be made to the schedule.

The exhibition comprises work from individuals in both groups, reflecting the changing seasons of the year. the response to and delight in the different facets of the garden.

Once voted one of the Nation’s Favourite Gardens, the 10 acre gardens at Holehird, near Windermere, consist of rock and heather gardens, alpine houses and a walled garden. Renowned for its herbaceous borders, the gardens are home to an extensive variety of plants, particularly those suited to the local climate with its high rainfall.

Created in the late nineteenth century and enlarged by the landscape architect, Thomas Mawson, in 1902, the gardens became derelict after WWII until they were rescued in 1969 by the Lakeland Horticultural Society. The society’s volunteers have maintained the gardens for the past 50 years.

“I am one of the volunteer gardeners at Holehird Gardens and love its rich variety in every season,” said Frances Winder, the artist behind the exhibition. “As an artist who paints and exhibits, I find Holehird an inspiring place to be and know that many of our members who paint and take photographs do so as well. When we thought of celebrating 50 years of the Lakeland Horticultural Society at Holehird and, as a member of Green Door, who are celebrating 25 years, I thought of putting them together in this Four Seasons exhibition.”

Barbra Cropper’s three etchings ‘Blue Poppies,’ ‘Iris’, and ‘Foxgloves’ were developed from sketches done on visits to the gardens. Each etching was developed from a copper plate and printed on an etching press in small editions of five. Each etching is special and due to being hand printed often shows slight variations in colour and tone.

“I love “California Dreaming” by the Mamas and Papas,” said Kath Lockhart. “And when the autumn and winter colours arrive, they always bring to mind the first four lines of the song. Holehird gave me the images and response I have been waiting for.”

“We’re delighted to be exhibiting in the Gaddum Gallery and Sara Last at Brockhole has been very helpful in co-ordinating the exhibition’” said Frances Winder. “I hope visitors enjoy the fruits of our co-operation.”

Other exhibitors include John Davenport, Joyce Eldred, Liz Ford, Rosamond Hoggarth, Judith Horsley, EM LaFuente, Cally Lawson, Kath Lockhart, Marjorie Park, Janette Phillips, Sue Rowland, Elizabeth Shorrock and Vicky Yates.