View the map

Back

Sandstone Rock Garden and Heather Beds

An original feature of Harlow Carr, the Sandstone Rock Garden has been revived in recent years – it reaches a crescendo of colour in autumn and new plantings link the area with the nearby Heather Beds

Looking its best in...

  • Winter/Spring Pools of colour from bold swaths of heathers
  • Autumn Striking autumn foliage of Japanese maples

In the beginning

Along the beck and running on from the Winter Walk is the Sandstone Rock Garden. One of the original features of Harlow Carr, it was constructed in the mid-1950s from stone collected locally.

All the rocks were positioned using a metal tripod along with a block and tackle, plus plenty of muscle power. The soil was improved by the addition of leafmould and grit to make it suitable for a range of plants such as dwarf rhododendrons, slow-growing conifers and orchids.

Sadly, over time, invasive weeds such as horsetail took hold and much of the area was put back to grass.

Revival

In more recent years, the garden has been refreshed and much of the lost area reinstated. Interconnecting pathways join up the new and original parts of the garden, while smaller, winding pathways add a feeling of intimacy.

Planting has focused on the addition of evergreen trees and shrubs to add form and texture, providing a calm backdrop to rich seasonal colour.

Seasons of colour

Today, the Sandstone Rock Garden is home to many mature – as well as new – specimens of Japanese maple, including Acer palmatum ‘Atropurpureum’, A. palmatum ‘Sango-kaku’ and A. griseum, which look magnificent in autumn.

The recent planting in this area better links the space with the Winter Walk and heather beds. Swaths of heathers add interest in the winter months and provide a food source for pollinating insects. The open canopy of dwarf mountain pine (Pinus mugo) allows light to reach the heathers growing beneath its branches.

The Heather Beds

Located just below the garden entrance are the Heather Beds. Rejuvenated and expanded in recent years, the beds incorporate 1,500 Erica across 20 cultivars, planted en masse to dramatic effect.

In January E. carnea ‘December Red’ is the earliest to bloom, followed by a succession of flowering heathers until the end of March. The upright evergreen Irish yew Taxus baccata Fastigiata Aurea Group adds bold contrast, punctuating this colourful patchwork and acting as a focal point. Summer-flowering heathers lift the display later in the year.

Love them or hate them

Heather’s popularity has certainly peaked and plummeted over the decades as gardening fashions have evolved.

Today, a broad range of cultivars are available, with the best selections chosen for the Heather Beds. Beloved by all insects, especially bees, the beds buzz with insect activity and make for an impressive sight in winter and early spring as they reach their peak. This is an easy-going, low-maintenance area of the garden, subject to a light, annual trim after flowering.

Erica carnea ‘Ann Sparkes’ is a striking heather cultivar, with bronze-tipped, golden leaves and bright purple flower spikes. It does well in soils that aren’t necessarily acidic, so is a good choice for gardens without acid soil.

RHS Garden Harlow Carr Horticulturist

Plants in the Sandstone Rock Garden and Heather Beds

You may also be interested in...

Discover more about creating a 21st century rockery

Discover more about creating a 21st century rockery »

Read our expert advice on hardy heathers

Read our expert advice on hardy heathers »

Get involved

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.