Much as it is one of my favourite places, I have decided this year not to continue my annual membership at RHS Harlow Carr Gardens. They have put the cost up by a whopping 13% - and, to add insult to injury, new members can join with a saving of 25%, which seems to penalise loyalty. Members do get a number of 'add-ons': free entry to any of the five RHS gardens and some partner gardens, plus a magazine, gardening advice and such like, but in practice I don't make use of those. All the other gardens are miles away. So I've decided I can't justify the cost this year. I'm a bit sad about it, as I like to support the organisation, but I will still be able to visit the gardens occasionally, just paying the daily entrance fee. For the number of times I'm able to go over the year, it should be more economical.
Anyway, before my membership ran out, I went over there with a friend to enjoy the Gardens once more. It has all grown rapidly since my last visit at the end of April, when all the spring bulbs were in flower. Recent rain means the foliage is lush and grasses and ferns have sprung up. My all-time favourite patch was looking gorgeous, the mauves of the alliums and lavender set off by the soft grasses and the prickly silver eryngium (sea holly). I thought it deserved a post by itself but I'll post some more photos of the gardens tomorrow.
It is a beautiful place, but I understand your reasons for not continuing your membership very well. If you can't go often enough to really benefit from a membership, it doesn't make sense.
ReplyDeleteMany people retired seem to be cutting out non-essentials these days. In the last 6 months I've donated to a bunch of non-profits of merit. There are certainly some of which I no longer avail myself, so cut them out of my support. My values are being tested these days. A grocery shopping trip this week was somewhat surprising.
ReplyDeletePretty.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry about the price rise. But how lovely your photo is!
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