Harlow Carr awash with colour to cheer hearts after lockdown gloom
IT IS a display of natural beauty to bolster the spirits of every gardener.
A sea of pale pinks and vivid reds has swept over one of Yorkshire’s major outdoor attractions as spring comes into full bloom. The blossoms always come a little later to the most northerly of the Royal Horticultural Society’s gardens.
And this April, Harlow Carr, on the outskirts of Harrogate, is alive with colour as rhododendrons burst into flower, while spring bulbs and cherry blossom herald the longer, warmer days ahead.
A steady increase of visitors is expected at the 58-acre gardens as coronavirus restrictions start to relax.
Staff at the attraction slowly increasing capacity week by week, adding 100 to 150 additional slots.
Curator Paul Cook said this spring was a significant year for seeing the blossoms, particularly from the fiery red rhododendron barberton species, with dozens scattered throughout the gardens.
He said: “It’s probably one of the best years for rhododendrons, particularly the older ones.
“The gardens and woodland have come alive with classic soft pinks, and really fiery reds.”
Mr Cook, who works alongside 18 gardeners and eight apprentices, said the gardens had “really missed” the help from a usual annual team of 60 volunteers, with only a core number able to assist under restrictions.
Visitors must book tickets in advance to gain entry to the limited places currently available at RHS Harlow Carr.
Some enclosed areas of the garden, including the Alpine House and Bird Hide, remain closed.
More details are available at www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/harlowcarr/articles/visiting-the-garden
It’s probably one of the best years for rhododendrons... RHS Harlow Carr’s curator Paul Cook welcomes the arrival of spring