Open to RHS members and garden volunteers, the Friends of Harlow Carr provide a welcoming way to become more closely involved with the life and development of the garden
The Friendship Bridge at RHS Garden Harlow Carr
Friends of Harlow Carr is an independent voluntary group that works in partnership with the RHS to support projects and enhance the visitor experience at RHS Garden Harlow Carr.
About the Friends
The Friends organise a varied programme of events throughout the year, including:
- Exclusive special interest visits led by RHS curatorial and horticultural staff
- Behind-the-scenes tours of areas such as the nurseries and alpine areas
- The annual Curator’s Evening
- Visits to gardens and places of horticultural interest
- The Friends Annual General Meeting (AGM) with guest speaker
The Friends also organise guided walks for pre-booked visitor groups throughout the year, as well as weekly ‘just turn up’ garden walks during May and June. These walks offer an engaging insight into the history, development and key features of RHS Garden Harlow Carr.
All profits generated by the Friends are reinvested directly into projects within the garden.
The Deanery located in the Subtropical Garden
Projects funded by the Friends
Projects supported by the Friends include:
- The Deanery in the Subtropical Garden
- The Bothy in the Arboretum (in memory of Chris Bowes and Roger Henson)
- The Geoffrey Smith Memorial Stone
- Mobility scooters
- A contribution towards the Friendship Bridge
- Wildlife cameras
- A donation to the new Bird Hide
- A lockable cold frame for the Alpine House
- Purchase of the historic library book William Salmon’s Botanologia (1710–1711)
Through membership subscriptions and fundraising events, the Friends continue to make meaningful contributions to the ongoing development of the garden.
Geoffrey Smith Memorial Stone located at the Streamside
What does membership include?
Membership costs £10 per household per year and includes:
- Streamside, the quarterly newsletter
- Updates from the Curator and senior staff
- News of future developments and events
- Reviews of past events
- Access to the AGM with guest speaker
- Seasonal visits and special interest tours
- Two enamel pin badges featuring the Friends of Harlow Carr logo (for new memberships)
How to join
Data protection
The Friends of Harlow Carr are independent from the RHS and act as the data controller for membership and event information. Personal data is used solely to administer membership and provide information about Friends activities and events. Members may opt out of communications and request removal of their personal data at any time by contacting:
[email protected]
