Another Season, Another Reason…

In like a lion and out like a lamb. So goes the old saw about the month of March. And even by the wild extremes of late winter, early spring, the weather this year has already turned seasonal expectations on their heads. Some days seem to bring all four seasons at once!

 

With the hottest February day on record, many of us basked in the welcome warmth. Signs of spring shyly made their way out early and delicate blossoms crept into bloom, but the summery temperatures were bookended by snow, which once again returned to this little corner of Lancashire, along with sleet, hail and blustery winds. Here in Haworth Park, the spring flowers have been clinging on for dear life. Fortunately for us, snowdrop, crocus and narcissus are as tough as they are beautiful.

And whether the weather be cold, or whether the weather be hot, there’s eternal sunshine in store in the park grounds and gallery. Snow, rain or shine, the Haworth shares its charms: a place to sit or stroll in the sunshine, a sledder’s delight in the snow, and if it’s raining out, the gallery’s ever-changing exhibition calendar will brighten dark skies. On grey days, the Tiffany collection brings perennial joy, its intense colours reflecting every season. 

Photography: Jean Emmett

After wildlife watching in the park or admiring all the goodies in the gallery, tasty treats are bound to tempt the palate in the Gallery Kitchen.

Whatever the weather, there’s something distinctly delightful or just plain different to do or see at the Haworth. So, make a beeline before spring is sprung . . . or autumn leaves!

 

Wild and wonderful; Haworth’s magnificence amid natural and formal flora

A walk through Haworth Park in early summer enchants the  soul and the senses with the profusion of wild flowers. Interrupted only by birdsong and the antics of the squirrels, the Haworth’s peaceful surroundings are a haven for wildlife and a tranquil respite from life’s daily hustle and bustle. Jean Emmett takes a walk through its flora.

The Haworth presides majestically over the scene, as nature races against our efforts to tame it, and large swathes of buttercup and daisy peep through the lawns before their next trim has chance to arrive.

Swathes of buttercups

Wild flowers are encouraged to grow naturally along the margins of the park and a total of around 50 different wild flower species can be seen today. Young trees proliferate around these borders and the many species showing early shoots include the oak, the ash and the holly tree, all self-propagating from their wooded surroundings.

The great field below the Haworth is dense with buttercups just now; simply delight in the profusion of their yellow, yolk-like heads as you wind your way along impromptu footpaths made through the grasses by walkers and by children playing.

Yellow pimpernel

Many of the wild flowers will be familiar to most visitors, but alongside the better known species are large patches of yellow pimpernel, bistort and pink purslane. The vigour of nature at this time of year can amaze us with its ability to take over and fill every nook and cranny with so many marvellous species.

Pink purslane

Along the wall bordering Manchester Road, the beautiful bistort and pink purslane nestle alongside the familiar crowns of cow parsley. The wild flower drifts provide a haven for many insects, not least, of course, the bees, busy visiting to collect their nectar.

And, complementing the wilder areas, we can’t overlook the formal rhododendron plantings,  made so many years ago, and still providing a glorious show.

Formal rhododendron plantings