RHS Garden Harlow Carr marks a major milestone on 1 July 2026: 25 years since becoming the Royal Horticultural Society’s first garden in the North of England — a moment that transformed a much‑loved Yorkshire garden into one of the region’s most significant cultural destinations.
When the RHS merged with the Northern Horticultural Society in 2001, Harlow Carr welcomed 72,000 visitors a year and employed 11 gardeners. Today, it attracts over half a million visitors annually, employs 176 staff, and adds more than 1,600 plants a year to its collections — a scale of growth that has reshaped horticulture in Yorkshire.
The garden’s success has been powered by the region’s community spirit. Volunteers play a crucial role in the garden’s success, with more than 120 dedicated supporters helping welcome visitors, assist at events and care for the garden year‑round.
Education and training have also become central to RHS Harlow Carr’s mission. Since 2001, nearly 100 RHS students and apprentices have trained at the garden, while thousands of schoolchildren — including 7,462 in 2025 — take part annually in free workshops that inspire a lifelong interest in gardening and nature.
RHS Harlow Carr’s valley setting — once part of the ancient Forest of Knaresborough and later home to Victorian spa gardens fed by natural springs — has always defined its character. Founded in 1950 to trial plants suited to the cooler, wetter northern climate, the garden’s original mission has become even more relevant in a changing environment.
RHS Harlow Carr’s transformation proved that world‑class horticulture could thrive in the North — and that the public appetite for it was enormous. Its success helped shape the RHS’s long‑term commitment to the region and influenced the creation of RHS Garden Bridgewater in Salford, which opened in 2021 and strengthened the Society’s northern presence.
From 29 June to 3 July, visitors are invited to take part in celebrations marking the garden’s 25‑year journey with the RHS. Highlights include:
- £4.50 adult entry — matching the original entry price in 2001
- Free entry for children
- 30% off RHS membership
- Complimentary seed packets for RHS Members
- A historical exhibition displayed in the Library
- History of RHS Harlow Carr talk – 11am, Friday 3rd July in the Library
As part of the celebrations, 25 oak saplings grown from seed collected at RHS Harlow Carr will be donated to a local community project — creating a lasting, living legacy from the anniversary year.
Throughout the week, visitors will be welcomed by giant ‘RHS’ letters, decorated by renowned floral designer Jonathan Moseley. His installation, inspired by the beauty and heritage of RHS Harlow Carr, will be displayed on the Kalmia Lawn beside the Main Borders from 1st July.
A special ceremonial tree planting will also take place during the anniversary week, bringing together key figures from both the RHS and the former Northern Horticultural Society — honouring the partnership that shaped the garden’s past and continues to influence its future.
Liz Thwaite, Head of Site at RHS Garden Harlow Carr, said:
“Over the last 25 years, RHS Harlow Carr has grown beyond what many could ever have imagined. From welcoming 72,000 visitors a year to now more than half a million, the garden has become an incredibly important place for horticulture, education and wellbeing in the North of England.
“What makes RHS Harlow Carr so special is that while it has evolved and expanded enormously, it has never lost its unique character and sense of belonging. This anniversary is about celebrating the people who have shaped the garden over the years — our staff, volunteers, members and visitors — and looking ahead to an exciting future.”
Fiona Slight, Curator of RHS Garden Harlow Carr, said:
“Looking ahead, RHS Garden Harlow Carr has exciting developments in store that will enhance the visitor experience and strengthen its role as a community and horticultural destination. The Streamside area will continue to be revitalised, with further planting enhancements, improved paths and interpretation to enrich this iconic part of the garden and make it even more inspiring for visitors of all ages.
“There are also ongoing improvements to garden infrastructure and sustainability, including upgrades to facilities and support buildings, ensuring the garden remains welcoming, resilient and accessible for future generations.”
Today, RHS Garden Harlow Carr stands as one of the North of England’s premier gardening destinations, combining world-class horticulture with education as well as an extensive annual events programme and community engagement projects. The anniversary celebrations will honour not only the transformation of the garden over the last quarter century, but also the people who have helped it flourish.
