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Arboretum

In the far corner of Harlow Carr, the Arboretum offers a quiet space, rich in wildlife, to escape the fast-paced world and connect with nature

Looking its best in...

  • Spring/Summer The wildflower meadow comes alive with colour and insects
  • Autumn Rich autumnal colours and crisp leaves underfoot

Be immersed in nature

Occupying the most northerly corner of Harlow Carr, the Arboretum is the quietest and most serene part of the garden – the perfect place to relax while immersed in nature.

Discover exotic specimens, such as the newly planted glade of dawn redwoods (Metasequoia glyptostroboides), mixed with established mature plantings.

Bamboo glade

Newly established is a bamboo glade, planted to illustrate the beauty and diversity of these incredible plants. The glade has around 200 different selections, all of which are suitable for growing in UK gardens, and some that can be grown in containers.

If you’re considering a bamboo for your own space, this is a great place to compare growth habits and colours, including variegated forms and those with dark or golden stems.

William’s Dell

Located within the Arboretum, William’s Dell has been designated a Silent Space at Harlow Carr. Visitors are encouraged to wander, sit or reflect silently while enveloped by nature. A place to pause, admire the trees and listen for bird song before exploring further.

Sir William Milner, who the dell is named after, was a founder member and second Honorary Director of the Northern Horticultural Society, a pioneer who helped establish and develop Harlow Carr in its infancy. In 2013, the dell was made more accessible with a new path and gazebo.

Bird Hide

The Arboretum is an important haven for a varied and interesting array of birds, including kestrels and owls, as well as bats.

Stationed within it, the Bird Hide provides an essential feeding station where as many as 20 bird species, in as many minutes, can be viewed and photographed.

 

Wildflower Meadow

Located between the Children’s Play Area and Arboretum, the Wildflower Meadow is a riot of colour throughout spring and early summer. Alive with wildlife, the meadow also helps increase Harlow Carr’s biodiversity. While such displays appear to just ‘grow’, they still need maintenance to retain plant diversity and stop grasses and more invasive species from growing unchecked.

Wildflower planting is found in other parts of the garden too, including next to the Queen Mother’s Lake and around the Kitchen Garden, where seed is sown in April to give a vibrant summer display.

Wildflower meadows are an alternative to lawns and borders, and can introduce a vast array of flowers to your garden. Annual meadows need rich soil and are a good choice for converting existing borders. Perennial meadows do best on poor soil, where the flowers don’t have to compete with grass.

RHS Garden Harlow Carr Horticulturist

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The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.