Himalayan Garden, Harewood House

[FrazerHenderson]

Within the extensive grounds of Harewood House can be found a sheltered streamside garden inspired by the Himalayas. The garden is a redevelopment of a former rock garden which was originally created in the 1930s. Since 2000 the garden has been re-invented. The original rhododendrons (50+ species) and primulas (denticulata, pulverulenta and sikikmense pedominate) have now been complemented by a wide range of Chinese and Bhutanese plants (including many ariaemas and lilies). A network of paths traverse the garden which is on many levels offering views and vistas. It would clearly be best to visit in May for the rhododendron display. The primulas were showing well in late June. A stupa was constructed in 2004. The garden does feel a little claustrophobic and could probably benefit by a keener eye to design...a small criticism.

Location: Harewood House, Leeds www.harewoodhouse.org/himalayangarden

Type: Similitude of Himalayan glades, together with rock garden and gorge.

Facilities: Cafes and shop are available on the estate.

Information: There is a folded A3 illustrated guide to the garden (50p), which provides a useful map and identifies significant plants.
BBC 2 for 1 accepted - gardens cannot be visited separately from other grounds and thus entrance charge is fairly steep

Henderson rating: 3.4/5 (some good individual plants)

some snaps...

[FrazerHenderson]

...and a few more...

[FrazerHenderson]

..coming to a close soon..

[Gail]

Thank you for the tour - we visited Harewood last year on the way up to Scotland and loved it.  My family particularly enjoyed the stepping stones.  They had several specimen orchids but sadly one of the gardeners was having to lurk in that area as some plants had been walking out of the garden...
They have a good bird collection there too, including currasows which have great personalities and are a personal favourite, and there are many red kites in the area.

[cohan]

this looks like a nice one, and sounds like a good re-working of what was there.. the wet meadow looks lovely..

[Brian Ellis]

Very nice Frazer, we may well go there next year.  I think the unknown blue flower with the fantastic pattern inside is Codonopsis clematidea.  One of my favourites, we gave one to neighbours who also like it and then got very excited when trekking in the Hindu Kush to round a corner and come across a field full of them