I had another early start this morning as I had to be in Harrogate for a mid-morning meeting, fortunately that finished around 11am so rather than go straight home we headed over to the gardens at RHS Harlow Carr for a walk round and more importantly some brunch. No matter what time of the year you visit here there is always something different to see, albeit the planting along the borders, the streamside walk planting or the formal gardens. Today there was a display of walking boots of all shapes, colours, conditions and sizes, which had been planted up with primarily bedding plants, they looked quite a picture all lined up on the walls as you walk into the gardens. After descending the steps we turned left and  headed over towards the learning centre, on past Dermot’s garden and headed down towards the lake, there were lots of marsh orchids amongst the long grass. Following the streamside path is always a picture this time of year. Today there were several school groups having an outdoor lessons which was great to see, especially as it was nice and warm summers morning. We continued our walk alongside the stream, the views looking over to the right towards the entrance and garden centre looked stunning, when we reached the pump house we stopped and had a look at some of the paintings and crafts that were on display inside this quant building. From here we walked up through the Alpine garden and up towards the kitchen garden, back along the top path and returning to the visitor’s centre. We had a lovely brunch in Betty’s restaurant before heading back to have a look around the book shop. I think they sell an excellent assortment of books and it is not very often that I come out of there without buying something to read, today was no exception. Before leaving we popped into the Garden Centre and like the book shop came out with two boxes of Alpine plants, looks like I am going to be busy planting this afternoon!