For the 22nd year, the gardens at Beacon Hill House, Langbar, are open to the public today.

Owner Humphrey Boyle said: “It is the 22nd year of opening for us and it has been by far the most difficult!.

“It seems unlikely that the lawns (ravaged in any case by moles), will be flanked by white rhododendrons and woodland lit bluebells and cherry blossom.

“Nonetheless, the garden will still be interesting to other gardeners, if only to demonstrate the survivors and casualties of this attritional winter.”