Best in the North East

RHS Garden Harlow Carr has won the title of best garden in the North East in a recent poll.

The garden was named best garden in the North East in the UK's Best 100 Gardens poll, voted for by Garden News readers. 

Curator Paul Cook said that it was the people at Harlow Carr who make a big difference to the visitor experience at the garden: 'We've always had a good group of volunteers, and with the RHS Student programme in place as well, it gives us all more time to be out in the garden interacting with visitors.'

The garden is 'looking better than ever, despite everything', says Paul - alluding to the very diverse weather the Yorkshire garden has been subjected to over the past year, with a snowy November and freezing Easter - even by Yorkshire standards!

Visitors can expect to see the Main Borders looking great right now, with plenty of late colour, lots of grasses and heleniums. Paul says the early and late evening light makes them even more special - a top tip for keen photographers. The warm weather has also ensured there is a wonderful crop of butterflies, such as Peacock and Red Admiral in the garden too.

On Streamside, the autumn colour has started to kick in, allowing the colours on the maples to combine with the late flowers for a very special effect.

Paul also recomends a visit to the Alpine House to appreciate the late colour these plants can bring to the garden.