Harlow Carr Gardens

Members heard about the many improvements taking place at the Harlow Carr Gardens, and future plans. This 58 acres of garden and woodland (the Northern Horticultural Society grounds until they merged with RHS in 2001) attracts approx. 460,000 visitors from all over the country and 30,000 children on school visits, every year. The gardens, and surrounding area have seen a great deal of change in recent years. Many members will remember that, not that long ago, the gardens were surrounded by fields, not houses. Now increased water run-off from new roads and parking areas of course heads down the slope to the gardens. While the developers take some steps to mitigate this, the gardens have themselves been adapted to manage. One of the most dramatic recent changes has been the creation of more streams and pools leading down to the main streamside gardens. The philosophy of working with nature and the surroundings is also seen in the management of invasive species (introduced before their dangers were appreciated) like Skunk Cabbage (which has got as far as the Nidd Valley) and Gunnera- both exotic giants that grow by the stream. Until they can be eradicated they remain there as a warning NOT to plant them in our gardens.

The reunification of the Harrogate Arms with the gardens, especially the Bath House area, has been long planned and now almost complete, restoring the views to how they would have looked to visitors at the height of the Spa years. The Bettys’ tea house will be moved to a location elsewhere in the garden. There are ambitious plans to plant 100s more trees in the woodland area, adding more flowering trees, and filling in where ash die-back has created gaps. The productive garden area will be expanded and, if you ever wondered what happens to all those vegetables and fruits, produce will be used in the new café in the Harrogate Arms. Given the fact that most of those attending the talk transpired to already be RHS members there was complete agreement that membership (special offer of £49.70 for single membership at the moment) was money very well spent. Talk to the Civic Society Paul Cook, Curator of RHS Harlow Carr. Report by Angela Fahy.