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Woodland

Lose yourself in the beautiful and tranquil Woodland, where winding paths allow you to enjoy its lush planting, open glades and diverse horticulture. Younger visitors can explore the Logness Monster and Craggle Top Tree House

Looking its best in...

  • Winter Early-flowering rhododendrons and swaths of dainty snowdrops
  • Spring A succession of colour from spring bulbs, magnolias and rhododendrons
  • Autumn Enjoy crisp, fallen leaves under a canopy of striking autumn foliage

Green and peaceful space

The Woodland has always been an important part of RHS Harlow Carr, occupying more than half of the total area of the garden.

A range of mature natives and newly introduced ornamental trees provide year-round interest, and a network of paths allow visitors to enjoy the diverse horticulture of this green and peaceful space.

Developing the woodland

Much of the derelict woodland that covered the site was cleared in the 1950s and 60s. In its place hundreds of rhododendrons, which do well in the slightly acidic soil, were planted. Most are still alive today and form part of the Rhododendron Propagation Project.

Flowering from February to August, the cheerful blooms bring colour and beauty to the Woodland. Early flowers on Rhododendron ‘Christmas Cheer’ start the season, climaxing with the huge trusses of R. Loderi Group hybrids.

Adding interest

In recent years, specimen trees have been planted among the rhododendrons, adding further interest alongside dogwoods, birch and magnolias. Some of the rarer trees found here include Stewartia pseudocamellia, with its lovely mottled bark; Cercidiphyllum, with decaying leaves that smell of toffee apples; and Clethra delavayi.

Planting the future

A new approach to the Woodland has incorporated swaths of Fritillaria meleagris and thousands of native bluebells. More than 90,000 have been planted, and the same again of snowdrops, which light up the Woodland floor in winter.

In time, two ‘blue corridors’ of bluebells will be created. The first running across the garden, from Southfield to the redeveloped Harrogate Arms. The second – in partnership with the Pinewoods Conservation Group – will connect Valley Gardens in Harrogate, through the Pinewoods, to the garden.

Children's play areas

There are plenty of opportunities for children to run off excess energy and explore the natural play features in the garden, including the Logness Monster and Craggle Top Tree House. Children and families can also enjoy a host of activities at RHS Harlow Carr during the school holidays.

Plants in the Woodland

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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.