Harlow Carr 2005

Botanic Beauty, Betty's and Bees

25 June 2005

Forty-one members and guests gathered at Harrogate for the 2005 summer outing to Royal Horticultural Society's Harlow Carr Gardens. It proved to be inspiring day of events and activities and as an added bonus the day coincided with the annual Open Day of the Harrogate and Ripon Beekeepers' Association who are established within the grounds.

Refreshments were on hand with the northern  institution of Betty's Cafe and Shop, an added attraction to satisfy the most discerning palate. Some members of our group commenced with an early foray sampling the Yorkshire Fat Rascal, a large scone-like cake as sustenance for the day's events.

Proceedings got off to a prompt 10:30 am start with an introduction by Andrew Willocks, the duty gardener who provided an expert overview of the layout and the many new features of 23 hectare (58 acre) garden set in a shallow valley divided by the Harlow Beck. Heavy clay, north facing slopes, difficult drainage, soil that is slow to warm-up and acidic due in part to the presence of sulphur springs provides challenging growing conditions. A pH range of 4.8 to 5.6 confirmed the Old Norse derivation of the name "Carr" meaning "land reclaimed from a bog".

Despite these climatic constraints Andrew described the wide range of plants and features to be seen including Mediterranean borders with grasses, borders with mixed perennials, wildflower meadows and an arboretum. Specific areas included raised-bed kitchen, herb, rock, alpine, streamside, scented and foliage gardens. Harlow Carr is home to several National Plant Collections including rhubarb, ferns and fuchsias.

Our group enjoyed comparing and contrasting the changing fashions over the years in the "Gardens through Time", seven specially created walk-though gardens featured in the BBC television series of that name.

Further Botanic treats were in store for our group as Mike Foxon, former Head Gardener and now Garden Archivist joined Andrew to reveal hidden details and fascinating aspects of first-hand experiences and anecdotes during his work at the garden. Little known facts included the extraction of mud for use in Spa treatments, beech trees remaining from the ancient Forest of Knaresborough and struggles against the odds to create hard landscape features without the aid of modem mechanical equipment.

The thriving Harrogate and Ripon Beekeepers' Association made use of the Education Centre and apiary to present highly informative displays and practical demonstrations on many aspects of bee-keeping and associated crafts, including bee anatomy microscopy, raising awareness of bee health issues via the "Save our Bees" campaign and straw skep making.

The day culminated with members and guests being able to peruse the garden museum, extensive plant and sundries sales centre, book and gift shop, with perhaps a temptation to stop for further refreshment in the cafe.

This was a most interesting, informative and relaxing summer event with the prospect of even more exciting garden developments in the future at Harlow Carr.

John Dickinson

Branch Committee Member