'Green and Overflowing with Life': The Wordsworths and a love of gardens

Inspired by Dorothy Wordsworth's quote and the love her and her brother shared for nature and gardening, this year's exhibition is a celebration of the gardens the Wordsworths designed and the role these green spaces still play as wildlife havens.

From childhood, gardens featured in William’s fondest memories and are immortalised in his poetry. At his home in Cockermouth, he and his sister were lucky enough to experience a wild childhood, having a free rein to explore the garden, the terrace and the River Derwent on their doorstep.

Today, in the face of climate change and biodiversity loss, gardens have become vital oasis for nature. The Wildlife Trusts tell us that ‘the UK's gardens are larger than all of our National Nature Reserves (NNR) combined’ which really demonstrates how together, our small pieces of wilderness can make a real difference to the overall green space for our wildlife.

Including insights into how gardener Amanda Thackeray has recreated and tended to the Wordsworths’ childhood garden for 20 years, you will also find tips on creating your own pollinator haven. Loans from the Wordsworth Trust in Grasmere and Tullie in Carlisle help tell the story of the Wordsworth's relationship to gardens, and the challenges Cumbrian plants and insects face due to climate change.