BRAND NEW for 2023, RHS Garden Harlow Carr is set to celebrate autumn, with a weekend full of activity for all the family to enjoy as we welcome this spectacular season.
A must for garden lovers as well as those just looking for a great day out, from 21st – 22nd October the ‘Autumn Garden Weekend’ will bring an array of exhibitors and specialist nurseries to the beautiful 58-acre garden in Harrogate. See the garden ablaze with autumn colour and enjoy talks and garden tours as well live music, food and drink and lots of shopping. There’s fun for all the family.
Get advice from the experts to learn more about what will work in your garden, and browse a beautiful range of garden ornaments from a variety of trade stands. A fantastic programme of live music will add to the atmosphere at each event, along with a delicious selection of local food and drink, including the iconic Bettys Tea Rooms.
Visitors can enjoy a packed programme of demonstrations and workshops each weekend, including renowned Yorkshire-based gardener and RHS judge Martin Fish, who will be on hand to share his advice and insight from more than 30 years’ experience, while floral designer Jonathan Moseley will demonstrate how to create stunning autumnal flower displays. There will also be Garden Tours from the RHS Harlow Carr Garden Team and specialist help and advice available from members of the RHS Garden Advisory team as well as planting activities to get the kids involved.
We will also be hosting the prestigious RHS Late Fruit and Vegetable Competition, with over 60 classes of champion fruit and vegetables for visitors to marvel at, as well as a fantastic apply display from the Northern Fruit Group who will also be on hand to offer expert advice.
Priced at the normal garden admission rate and free for members, visitors can enjoy not only the stunning surroundings of RHS Harlow Carr in all its autumnal glory, but also take the opportunity to pick up some inspiration to transform their own space at home with a fantastic weekend of activity.
See details of full line up below:
FULL LINE UP:
Talks and demonstrations
Take a seat in the Potting Shed tent to enjoy specialist talks and demonstrations throughout the day, giving tips and inspiration for your garden at home.
Saturday 21st October
11am: Jonathan Moseley ‘Natures Larder – the best of autumn flower displays’
12pm: Jill and Martin Fish ‘Gardening on the menu’
1pm: Jonathan Moseley ‘Natures Larder – the best of autumn flower displays’
2pm: Martin Fish interview – Meet the grower
3pm: Q&A session hosted by Jill Fish. Q&A panel – Martin Fish, Jonathan Moseley and Russ Watkins
Sunday 22nd October
11am: Jonathan Moseley ‘Natures Larder – the best of autumn flower displays’
12pm: Jill and Martin Fish ‘Gardening on the menu’
1pm: Jonathan Moseley ‘Natures Larder – the best of autumn flower displays’
2pm: Martin Fish interview – Meet the grower
3pm: Q&A session hosted by Jill Fish. Q&A panel – Martin Fish, Jonathan Moseley and Russ Watkins
Exhibitors
Brighter Blooms: Spring bulbs
Flowers from the Farm: British grown flowers
Garth Cottage Herbs: culinary herbs
Hoyland Plant Centre: amarines, nerine and agapanthus
Jonathan Moseley: floral accessories
Primrose Bank Nursery: perennials
Skerne Alpines: alpines
Wack’s Wicked Plants: carnivorous plants
Garden Tours
Join Russ Watkins, floral team leader for a tour of the garden, discovering the best plants for autumn colour and take home some inspiration. Tours start at 11am and 1pm and last for approximately 45 minutes.
Enjoy a tour of our Kitchen Garden with a member of our experienced team – tours start from the apple arch at 12noon and 2pm and last approximately 45 minutes.
Garden Advice
The friendly RHS Garden Advice team will be on site answering all your gardening questions, large or small. For planting suggestions, pruning advice, problem plants and everything in-between please visit the team between 10am and 4pm.
To help protect our garden from pests and diseases please do not bring samples with you – bring clear photographs instead.
Northern Fruit Group Apple Display and Advice
See displays of awesome apples courtesy of The Northern Fruit Group. Experts will be on hand to offer advice on fruit growing and identification, so bring your home grown apples along if you’re not sure which variety they are – the team will be able to let you know.
The show will be open from 10am – 3pm in the Learning Centre (also open from 12pm on Friday 20 October).
RHS Late Fruit and Vegetable Competition
The prestigious RHS judges, Late Fruit and Vegetable Competition returns to Harlow Carr for the third year. With more than 60 classes of champion fruit and vegetables the competition is free to enter and open to anyone who would like to take part.
To enter please contact the Horticultural Competitions Manager Georgina Barter (georginabarter@rhs.org.uk). The closing date for entries is one week before the show.
The show will be open from 10am – 3pm in the Learning Centre (also open from 12pm on Friday 20 October).
Artist in residence
Visitors can meet Hilary Burnett-Cooper, the Harlow Carr Artist in Residence for 2022/2023. Hilary will be hosting an exhibition of her work and sharing her experience of painting the gardens seasonal horticultural highlights.
Food and drink
Enjoy food and drink from local suppliers during your visit. We’ll be joined by:
Toast of Harrogate: gourmet cheese toasties, hot drinks and cakes
Harrogate Tipple: locally produced gin and rum
Live Music
Enjoy live music on the Winter Walk between 1pm and 4pm each day. Pull up a deckchair and relax!
