OPINION: See how our Harrogate gardens grow - Tracy Morgan, Visit Harrogate

It has been a turbulent path for us all but now the signs of recovery are strong.

The Bank of England has stated that the UK economy will enjoy its fastest growth in more than 70 years in 2021 as Covid-19 restrictions are lifted. From next week we move to step three of the roadmap out of lockdown and we look forward to enjoying our hotels and indoor hospitality once again.

Celebrating Harrogate gardens:

During the pandemic gardening has become increasingly popular, with many giving it a go for the first time. The mental and physical health benefits of gardening and spending time simply enjoying gardens are well recognised.

Taking pride in growing and caring for our own plants, being out in the fresh air, engaging with nature, all of these have really elevated our passion for gardening and gardens to the next level.

So it is with this in mind that we are launching our Gardens Campaign next week. We will be inviting everyone to ‘See how our gardens grow’, to come and explore the gardens of the Harrogate District and experience our gardening events.

Eight of the best:

We are blessed with a unique range of glorious gardens and the campaign will showcase eight of the best: The National Trust properties of Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden and Beningbrough Hall, Gallery and Gardens. The RHS splendour at Harlow Carr and one of the most important and beautiful 20th century gardens at Newby Hall.

In addition to these more well-known gardens the campaign will also feature some hidden gems: The Himalayan Garden and Sculpture Park near Ripon, Markenfield Hall and the Ripon Walled Garden, part of the Ripon Community Link Charity working with adults and young people with learning disabilities.

We all know Rudding Park for its stunning hotel and spa but did you know it has a kitchen garden covering 1,320 square metres containing 52 raised beds constructed with the wood from English Oak trees.

Over 500 different herbs, salads, edible flowers and fruits are grown here much to the delight of the hotel diners.

Spring essentials:

A week today will see the start of the Harrogate Flower Show ‘Spring Essentials’ at the Great Yorkshire Showground (May 20-23). This special one off, outdoor event will feature all our favourites; show gardens, plant nurseries and live theatres, plus it will have all the essentials you could ever need for the new growing season. Book your tickets online now and look out for the Visit Harrogate stand, where we will be joined by the head gardener from Rudding Park and guests from the Himalayan Garden and Sculpture Park.

Keep up to date:

Visit Harrogate will continue to bring you up to date information, provide travel inspiration and share the interesting stories which make the Harrogate District a ‘must visit’ destination.

Make sure you keep up to date by following us on social media and checking our website www.visitharrogate.co.uk