THOUSANDS of people are set to flock to Cark-in-Cartmel from June 3 to 5 to attend the garden festival at Holker Hall and Gardens.

Last year 23,000 visitors enjoyed spectaular gardens and other attractions and organisers hope this year’s attendance will match or even beat that figure.

Preparations are now in full swing for the three-day festival, hosted by Lord and Lady Cavendish.

Work is well under way on the eight show gardens. These parkland plots are being transformed to showcase Cumbria’s botanical brilliance.

Sarah Ross, head of visitor services at Holker Hall, said: “It is fascinating to watch these intricate gardens rise from nothing out of the rugged parkland.

"By show day you would think they had been there forever”.

Construction started on site on May 23 and will finish at 8pm on Thursday, June 2.

The gardens will be judged on a variety of criteria, including impact, imagination, originality and design from 7.3am on June 5 The full list of Show Gardens this year is:

  • “A Garden for Otium” by Andrew Loudon, based in Ulverston
  • “Reflect” by Paul Richards Garden Design and Green belt Landscapes, based in Lancashire
  • “A Coastal Retreat” by Caregg Garden Design and Nigel Walker Paving, based in Cockermouth
  • “Reflections” by Burlington Stone, based in Kirkby-in-Furness
  • “East by North West” by Plantspace, based in Carnforth
  • “As Time Goes By” by MA Brooks Ltd and Peacock Design, based in Lancaster
  • “Alpine” by Mike Crowe, based in Ulverston
  • “The Four Seasons” by HMP Haverigg, Millom

BBC Gardener’s World presenter Carol Klein will be this year’s special guest.

* Holker Garden Festival is from Friday, June 3 to Sunday, June 5. Festival opening times are from 10am to 5.30pm. Entrance is £14.50 for adults and £13 for seniors/students. Children under 16 go free when accompanied by an adult. For information call 015395 58838, email, holkerfestival@holker.co.uk or visit the website below.