IN 12 years the garden festival, set within one of England's most beautiful gardens, has flourished in the best horticultural traditions to become the Chelsea of the North.

The brainchild of Lord and Lady Cavendish to organise a gathering in Holker Hall's picturesque deer park stemmed from the pair's passion for gardening.

For as long as the present 19th century stately home has existed, the breathtaking grounds have been crucial to the passing generations, who have loved this magnificent house and played a part in shaping its gardens.

The Cavendishes themselves, the third family to own the estate, have been fervent about planting, design, and furthering the tradition of growing rare specimens in the exceptional micro climate this part of the Cartmel peninsular enjoys.

Holding the National Collection of Styracaceae, as well as the Great Holker Lime, listed as one of Great Britain's top 50 trees, the gardens are one of the country's leading horticultural wonders.

Holker had hosted a string of events from hot air ballooning and horse trials to the Lakeland Rose Show, but a vision was forming before the eyes of Lord and Lady Cavendish of a magnificent horticultural extravaganza, bringing the gardening great and good together in their own piece of paradise.

June 1991 saw the first gathering of national exhibitors, professional horticulturalists and green-fingered zealots from far and wide. Others turned up just to enjoy a lively gathering in a unique place.

Organisers, including first show director Carolyn Johnson, had not a clue where this fledgling fair would take them. Hoards of visitors were expected to flood through the gates on that first Friday. In fact the three-day event attracted 12,000 people.

As the show grew, subtle changes and innovations crept in. The winning formula was there, but complacency had no part to play. Lord and Lady Cavendish were determined to introduce new dimensions and even pre-empt trends, such as the rare plants and herb marquees, along with the popular festival lectures.

Necessity became the mother of invention after 2001's foot-and-mouth crisis forced the festival to be cancelled. Lord and Lady Cavendish worked closely with local food producers and Made in Cumbria to develop new focal points to the next show. A major local food display emerged, along with the festival restaurant, showcasing the best of the area's cuisine.

A highpoint for many visitors are the spectacular festival gardens, created by landscape designers, who submit plans in advance for patches of perfection that take up to a fortnight to create.

As festival staff brace themselves for an estimated influx of 28,000 visitors in what promises to be a truly dynamic event, show director Elizabeth Ward said in 2004 organisers had combined all aspects which had been popular in the past with competitive classes in horticulture, festival gardens and floral art.

"Food will play a major role complementing what is so fantastic about Cumbria, with help from Made in Cumbria, and also linking in with the opening of Holker's own food hall.

"We have hundreds of trade stands and are also delighted to welcome the WI back, who provide a wealth of interest in their competitions and displays.

"There are excellent dining facilities, magnificent entertainment, a children's and a plant crche - not to be confused - free access to Holker's gardens and the opportunity to picnic and enjoy the beauty of the deer park."

Lord and Lady Cavendish are mindful of the partnership that exists within the community and the support they derive from sponsors to the garden festival like Burlington Slate, who have been part of the family' from the beginning. Also Henry Armer and Sons, who have provided quads and gators to ease showground tasks. BBC Radio Cumbria and Cumbrian Life and Lake District Magazine for media support, and Willow Water which supplies gallons of bottled water to the staff. The Lakeside Hotel hosts Kim Wilde and her family. Made in Cumbria and its sponsiors provide the food element. Also support from the Founder and Garden Festival Members and volunteers, and to those who advertised in The Westmorland Gazette and its support of this Official Programme.