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My Childhood Back Garden
The Early Years of RHS Harlow Carr
Caroline Smith
My Childhood Back Garden tells the story of the making of RHS Garden Harlow Carr through the eyes of someone who quite literally grew up inside it. Blending accurate historical research with vivid, often amusing personal recollections, Caroline Smith offers a perspective never previously recorded. Born into the early years of the garden and living on site for the first sixteen years of her life, she brings to life the characters, challenges and quiet triumphs behind its creation. From muddy beginnings to growing recognition, this is both a revealing social history and a deeply personal celebration of the people, passion and perseverance that shaped one of the North’s most cherished gardens.
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An even earlier reference is made in The History of Mineral Waters 1740 “there is a small outbreak of a strong, saline, sulphurous spring, which blackens the water of the brook and makes the earth of a deep ink-black colour.” It remained in private ownership until Harrogate Corporation acquired the Harlow Estate.

Excerpt from My Childhood Back Garden

In winter chunky, polo-neck knitted sweaters were added to the eclectic mix. Altogether they were an eye-catching group that whether British or Ukrainian wouldn’t have looked out of place as freedom fighters in the mountains of any Eastern European country at that time following the war.

Excerpt from My Childhood Back Garden

In winter chunky, polo-neck knitted sweaters were added to the eclectic mix. Altogether they were an eye-catching group that whether British or Ukrainian wouldn’t have looked out of place as freedom fighters in the mountains of any Eastern European country at that time following the war.

Excerpt from My Childhood Back Garden

Harlow Carr was always intended to be ‘a gardener’s garden’. The primary objective was always that of collecting first the plants of each genus, which are of the greatest garden value. For the same reason plants of the same family were not placed side by side for purposes of comparison…

Excerpt from My Childhood Back Garden

“the fame of Harlow has spread so that the demand for illustrated lectures by our Gardens Superintendent, Mr. Geoffrey Smith, has become so great as to be completely unmanageable by him alone” and it was wondered “if Mr. Smith, who was heart and soul in the job, ever slept.”

Excerpt from My Childhood Back Garden

“This is far more than a history; it’s a heartfelt recollection of a childhood intertwined with the birth of something remarkable. Rich in detail, gently humorous, and utterly absorbing from beginning to end.”

Review for MY CHILDHOOD BACK GARDEN

“A beautifully written and deeply personal account of Harlow Carr’s beginnings, full of warmth, humour, and vivid memory. Caroline Smith captures both the spirit of a place and the people who shaped it.”

Review for MY CHILDHOOD BACK GARDEN

“This book captures the magic of growing up within a living, evolving garden. It’s insightful, often funny, and deeply moving; a truly special account of dedication, family, and the early RHS years. Five stars from me!”

Review for MY CHILDHOOD BACK GARDEN

“Rich in detail and emotion, this My Childhood Back Garden offers a unique perspective on the origins of Harlow Carr. It is both informative and deeply personal, with a lovely thread of humour throughout. Well done to the author.”

Review for MY CHILDHOOD BACK GARDEN

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Caroline Smith

Caroline lives in a rural village, 600 feet above sea level, in close proximity to Nidderdale. After 20+ years as a Shiatsu practitioner, based generally at home, she is now retired and is an active volunteer for a variety of charitable organisations. In earlier life she spent two years as an employed deckhand working in the Mediterranean, then returned home to North Yorkshire to pick up a career back within media, including print and television, before retraining as a practitioner, a role she found most rewarding after time spent in marketing and sales.

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