Monday 14 October 2013

Harlow Carr

I think it is safe to say that I am feeling a little in limbo at the moment and it is making it hard to blog. I am really enjoying our time in the UK and seeing lots of lovely people and places but the lack of routine is starting to tell, as is the lack of time on my own footling about the house doing a little housework, a little crafting, a little cooking and a little pootling.  Since our lovely time in Harrogate, we have had a few days at home, then a few days in London, and a few days on the west coast of Scotland. Frankly I don't know whether I am coming or going! We now have 10 days or so here, at home, before embarking on the journey back to St Helena, or is that our journey back home?
 
There is loads I want to do here that don't have time to do properly, and loads I could make time for but it all feels a bit overwhelming and I don't know where to start. Today was eaten up with food shopping, a flu vaccination for Big Trouble and the dentist for me and Tall Girl (they were very brave).
 
I want to tell you about London and about Scotland but I still haven't told you about Harlow Carr despite uploading the photos a week ago. I have admitted defeat as far as the September Slow Living goes. Nothing slow about this September, and October has sped up even more!
 
So to Harlow Carr... I have visited many many gardens in my time, but never an RHS one so I didn't really know what to expect. We walked there from the town centre through a lovely, well maintained and well used park and some public woodland. 
 
Now, you may be aware that I do like a bit of sculpture in a garden. Preferably of the fun and not-taking-itself-too-seriously kind. I was not disappointed.
 




A giant bee was guarding the insect home in the park.



You have to look twice to see that two naked toddlers have not climbed up on the fountain, their posture is so lifelike.


Bird on a fork.


Another giant bee - metal not wicker this time.


No sculpture but I have a thing about passion flowers and may just have to get some...


Tea pot leaf mould maker outside the tea room - love it!


Gorgeous annual mixture looking great in October.


Woven willow sculpted to support the growing of a beech arch. Genius!


A lovely way to display miniature succulents.


Sculpture or landscaping? Landscaping or sculpture?


My absolute fav: Rhubarb and custard.

xx

6 comments:

  1. We have been to Harlow Carr a few times and love it. There is always something interesting to see and do in every season.

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  2. Love Harlow Carr. It's a fabulous place to visit.

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  3. Beautiful!

    I think slow living also means not stressing if one month is more rushed - you can enjoy slowing down again when you get back to St Helena.

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  4. It looks lovely, I have never been but I shall be making plans to visit.

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  5. That must have been quite a walk from the town centre to Harlow Carr or you have found a great shorcut. Not been for a while but my brother has moved to Harrogate so plan to go in the spring with them, living in Leeds it is only a hop and skip away.

    You certainly are fitting lots in on your visit home, you will be ready to go back to the island for a rest!

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  6. I think it's quite normal to feel afloat whilst away from home, regardless where home is! Looks like your packing loads in, Harlow Carr looks great :) x

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