Look but don’t touch.

Too nice a morning to do the usual chores so we went over Harrogate for a walk round RHS Harlow Carr.
The first two car parks were already full and so we had to park along the road in No. 3.
That’s a first, and on a Monday in March too!
The lady on the reception desk said she thought everyone had decided to get some fresh air on such a lovely day.

We enjoyed our walk through the gardens and up through the woods calling in at the bird hide where we saw a nuthatch.
I also saw my first Brimstone butterfly today.

Unfortunately they were cutting back some trees and the shredder was making such a noise it spoilt our usual peaceful walk listening to the birds.
Lots of early rhododendrons out underplanted with various spring flowers.
There is a lot of work being carried out throughout the gardens, including work being done along the stream and building a new bridge.
A large rockery which was planted years ago by Geoffrey Smith is being moved to a slope in front of the Alpine House. A much more suitable place fir it now.
So all in all the gardens are not looking their best at the moment.

What is at it’s best is the Alpine House although parts of this are being restructured.
Also part has now been planted with cacti. Hopefully the two types of plants like the same conditions.
So that makes my collage today.

Looking forward to returning in a month or so to see how things are progressing and maybe visit the new Harrogate Arms Cafe.