What’s looking good at RHS Harlow Carr?

As spring arrives, there’s a feeling of enchantment in the Woodland. The earliest of our many rhododendrons start to bloom – Rhododendron barbatum is one of the loveliest with its cinnamon-brown peeling bark and intense scarlet flowers, while R. calophytum is covered from head-to-toe in pale pink flowers with deep red blotches to guide insects to their pollen and nectar. Golden daffodils light up the woodland floor, alongside patches of yellow primroses and the cerise flowers of Cyclamen coum.

Discover dainty jewels in the bright and peaceful Alpine House. Early-flowering bulbs, such as Iris reticulata, species tulips and crocus, are protected here from the weather. Primula allionii enjoys the shelter; their unusual green foliage mounds are covered by perfect mats of flowers in shades of white, purple and pink. But the star this month is Draba ‘Buttermilk’, for its sheer size and scent. Its large, dense cushion of silvery foliage is smothered with dainty pale-yellow blooms.

A flush of gold marks the start of spring at RHS Harlow Carr. As warmer days take hold, drifts of sunshine yellow daffodils bring colour to much of the garden, including the Arboretum, Queen Mother’s Lake, Kitchen Garden and around the Alpine House landscape. The golden hues continue with bright yellow crown imperials (Fritillaria imperialis) in the Woodland, forsythia in the old winter garden and marsh marigolds (Caltha palustris) on the banks of Streamside.

While March may seem a quiet time in the Kitchen Garden, something exciting is happening out of sight. Grown under large terracotta bells, the first rhubarb of the season is ready to harvest. Growing rhubarb excluded from light like this not only makes it grow faster, but the resulting pink stems are incredibly sweet. Rhubarb thrives in the cooler, wetter climate at RHS Harlow Carr and we grow lots of local varieties bred in Yorkshire. The beautiful terracotta bells were made at a local pottery using clay from the area.

Heathers, hellebores and early spring bulbs add to the symphony of colour along the Winter Walk, providing a breathtaking finale to the season. The daintiest flowers are often the toughest, demonstrated by the mass of tiny snowdrops, Iris reticulata and dwarf daffodils flowering away on the chilliest days. Sweetly fragrant shrubs add further appeal. The delightful scent of daphnes will stop you in your tracks, and viburnums festooned in delicate pink flowers fill the air with heady scent.

There are still plenty of snowdrops to see around the garden and woodland. We’ve recently planted later-flowering cultivars through the Sandstone Rock Garden, extending our snowdrop season into March. Galanthus ‘S. Arnott’ is reliable and vigorous with large flowers, while ‘Jacquenetta’ has dainty double flowers that look like little petticoats. There are more named cultivars to spot along the Winter Walk, and to see these exquisite flowers at eye level, head to the Alpine House and nearby raised bed where you’ll find interesting snowdrops with a range of markings.

Not far from the garden entrance, the Heather Beds provide a glorious tapestry of bee-enticing blooms. Winter-flowering heathers (Erica carnea) have long enjoyed our cool Yorkshire climate and provide valuable flower power to lift spirits during the colder months, as well as food for insects. Among the 1,500 plants, keep an eye out for Erica carnea ‘Ann Sparkes’ – a superb little heather with bronze-tipped foliage and bright purple flowers.