Harlow Carr

BY KEVIN AYRES

It was a dry but cool Saturday in May when 20 members and friends set off from the Austin Fields car park by coach for the RHS gardens at Harlow Carr in North Yorkshire. The weather changed as we headed up the A17 and onto the A1, the clouds thickened and rain began to fall. However, our journey North was otherwise uneventful and by the time we reached Yorkshire the clouds had lifted and although it wasn’t wall to wall sunshine, it turned into the perfect day for exploring the nearly 70 acres which make up the gardens at Harlow Carr. We were given a brief introduction to the gardens on arrival and had some highlights pointed out by the friendly RHS staff before we headed off for our own adventures.

First stop for many, if not all, was Betty’s Café and Tea Rooms adjacent to the entrance to the gardens. Who could resist the treats in there, clearly not many of our party, and I believe some were tempted back later in the day as well for a second helping!

Finally, into the gardens, which way to go? There are so many different areas to explore, too many for one visit.

The Kitchen Garden, perhaps, which demonstrates what can be done on a windy site with a clay soil, using an arrangement of raised beds all made

accessible via bark-covered paths or maybe the Alpine House sitting majestically at the top of the valley, giving a stunning view of the Woodland, the 80ft long glass Alpine House provides a spectacular setting for the display of these inspiring little gems. Just 2 of the delights to enjoy.

If you wanted to get away from Gardens for a little bit, there were the exibitions in the Bath House of Ceramics and Glass or in the Library an opportunity to see hanging together three seasonal embroideries of RHS Garden Harlow Carr, created by the talented Richmond & Leyburn Embroidery Group. The scenes show tulips and Muscari in spring, the very best of perennial planting in the main borders at high summer, and the vibrant red Cornus stems set against striking silver birch trees in the Winter walk.

Where ever you chose to explore the afternoon passed too quickly, and it was soon 4pm and time to assemble for the journey back to Kings Lynn, possibly via the very well stocked shop. As we got closer to home the clouds once again grew darker and the spray from the coach was all too evident as we reached the outskirts of Kings Lynn. But we were not downhearted after our great Yorkshire adventure.

Here’s looking forward to the 2020 trip, but where? All will be revealed in due course.