The Lakeland Horticultural Society was formed in 1969 when it took over the Holehird garden, near Troutbeck, which had become neglected. The outstanding result is a wide variety of trees, shrubs, herbaceous perennials, alpines and bulbs. Though all the work is voluntary, costs must be met and a donation is requested from visitors who are welcome to look round. An excellent booklet is on sale, but please note dogs are not allowed in the gardens. Throughout the year the borders, rockery and greenhouses at Holehird are busy with gardeners hard at work. Almost all are unpaid volunteers, drawn from the Society's 1500 members, and the garden is the home of the National Collections of Astilbe, Hydrangea and Polystichum. One of the finest times for a visit is when the rhododendrons and azaleas are in bloom, and a walk in early summer through the brilliant colours and scents should not be missed.