A new spring event celebrating the colour and creativity of Yorkshire's gardens is set to take place at Harewood House next month.
Harewood in Bloom will run from 2nd to 4th May, transforming more than 140 acres of gardens and grounds into a seasonal showcase featuring 40,000 spring bulbs, large-scale floral displays, and a programme of talks, trails and family activities.
Delivered in partnership with Leafy Couture and supported by the ASAMAA Charitable Trust, the event aims to bring together horticulture, art and hands-on experiences for visitors of all ages.
Inside the house, floral installations will transform the State Floor, with displays inspired by Harewood’s collections.
Among the highlights are creations by Leafy Couture, including arrangements in the Entrance Hall surrounding Jacob Epstein’s sculpture “Adam”.
Visitors will also be able to view handcrafted paper flower installations created in collaboration with community groups and volunteers, alongside seven large-scale arrangements by award-winning florists in the Gallery.
Across the estate, visitors will encounter a range of seasonal displays, many of which are only visible for a short period each year.
These include the Davidia involucrata, known as the “pocket handkerchief tree”, as well as sweeping bulb plantings, bluebells, wild garlic and rhododendrons in bloom.
The Walled Garden orchard will showcase heritage apple blossom, while the Terrace and lakeside areas will feature additional seasonal planting.
Trevor Nicholson, Head Gardener at Harewood House Trust said:
“Much of what visitors will see can’t be planned weeks in advance… for many flowers, the bank holiday weekend is a fleeting window.”
He added:
“Our first ever Harewood in Bloom will amplify what makes the Gardens extraordinary. In early May, from the glory of the Terrace to the tranquility of the Lakeside and the Walled Garden, there are so many floral delights to discover.
"A combination of rare exotics with classic flowers of the English countryside is what makes Harewood so beautiful in early May, and all within easy reach of the North’s major cities.
"What makes this event so special is its unpredictability. Much of what visitors will see can’t be planned weeks in advance.
"From the pocket handkerchief tree, to the bluebells, the cobra lilies and the wild garlic, they are all seasonal, making the bank holiday weekend an unmissable opportunity to discover what makes the Gardens so special.”
Alongside the displays, a programme of workshops and creative sessions will take place throughout the weekend, led by Leafy Couture and artists including Nay Bellamy, Davinder Madaher and Lola Design. Activities will range from floral arranging to botanical art and paper crafts.
Families will also be catered for, with activities including flower crown making, a themed garden trail and “Little Gardeners” sessions, where children can plant seeds to take home.
Zoë Hughes, Head of Public Programme at Harewood House Trust, said:
“We are delighted to be launching Harewood in Bloom this May bank holiday. Shaped by influential figures such as Sir Charles Barry and Capability Brown, Harewood’s gardens reflect centuries of visionary design and continue to stand among the very best in Yorkshire.
"May is one of the most exciting times to experience them, as the landscape bursts into colour and fragrance.
"Harewood in Bloom brings this to life through workshops, trails, interactive experiences and artistic displays, designed to inspire creativity and spark a sense of joy for all ages.”
Find out more about Harewood in Bloom online here.
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