Harlow Carr Gardens

                                  

	RHS GARDEN – HARLOW CARR

For over 50 years Harlow Carr has been the showcase for northern gardeners. The gardens stand on what was once part of the Forest of Knaresborough, an ancient royal hunting ground. Sulphur springs were discovered there in 1734 and the wells were set up as a Spa site in 1840 with gardens being laid out around the bath house (which now houses the study centre and library). The original spa hotel on the site is now the Harrogate Arms just outside the garden boundary.

The underlying rock is millstone grit covered with soil varying from silver sand to alluvial silt and heavy clays, all of which are acidic from the many sulphur streams in the area.

The 58 acres features many garden themes, National collections (ferns, fuchsia, heathers ), Marie Curie daffodils (240 varieties), herb gardens and BBC Gardener of the Year 2000, as well as a streamside garden, reputedly the longest in the UK, displaying candelabra primulas, astilbes and hostas.

There is also a large arboretum and woodland area filled with interesting plants and shrubs and the rhododendrons are magnificent in season.

A wide variety of birds can be seen at the special feeding area in the arboretum.

By contrast, there are rock gardens of sandstone and limestone (built over capped sulphurous wells) close to the plant centre and shop.

For more information about Harlow Carr Gardens click here.

CATENIAN VISIT

Coaches are scheduled to arrive as the gardens open at 09.30 and groups of 20 will be given guided tours.

The tours will end at the study centre at 11.00 for coffee and scones and a talk by Joe Maiden (broadcaster) who promises to demonstrate making hanging baskets and to “entertain”.

Coaches will leave at 12.30 prompt to ensure return for lunch in good time.