| "We were surprised to find a great deal of good company here drinking the Waters" Daniel Defoe (1661?-1731) |
Harrogate's Gold Medal Gardens
Harrogate has been winning competitions for its floral displays since 1975. This spa town in North Yorkshire won 'gold' in Britain in Bloom and the European Entente Florale in 2003, 2004 and 2009. When Harrogate is competing, other towns shudder!
Crescent Gardens (Photo 1) and Library Gardens provide a glorious display of roses every summer. The Valley Gardens, Prospect Gardens and Montpellier Gardens (Photo 2) are planted in spring and summer with creative and vibrant displays of bedding plants.
The Valley Gardens contain 36 magmatic wells, all arising within one acre, no two of these mineral springs are alike in chemical composition. The Colonnades and the Sun Pavilion (Photo 3) were built as a covered walk between the old Royal Baths Hospital and the 'Pump Room' and Baths of Low Harrogate. Beyond the Sun Pavilion, a corner of the garden is laid out with native plants from the South Island of New Zealand. The dahlia collection in the gardens gives a fine display in late summer. Above the Valley Gardens, and beyond an arboretum, a two mile pinewood walk with spectacular views leads to Harlow Carr Gardens of the Royal Horticultural Society.
The gardens in the centre of town are augmented throughout the summer by spectacular floral displays in beds and hanging baskets among the cafés, bars and interesting art, antique and town centre shops.
A SoundGuide to Harrogate reveals the fascinating story of its history and floral delights. To listen on your mobile phone at any of 11 Listen Points in the town, dial 0905 644 1423 and follow the spoken instructions (call costs basic 20p/min). You may also download the complete mp3 guide to the town at MoGuide.com. Profits are ploughed back through voluntary Harrogate in Bloom to enhance the visitor experience.
Harrogate is also the home of the big Harrogate Spring and Summer Flower Shows.