September at RHS Harlow Carr Harrogate

Had a day out today and though the odd dark cloud blew over rather threateningly, we had lots of blustery sunshine.

Harlow Carr is the northern Royal Horticultural Society garden and Chris and my friend Liz are members. As members' tickets admit 2 - I can go free with either of them!
It is about an hour away and an enjoyable excursion if you like gardens and a bonus is that there is a Betty's cafe on site - a great northern institution for coffee, lunch or afternoon tea.

As the garden is open year round and there is always something of interest, we decided today that we would visit every month over the coming year.

My blips will hopefully just highlight something of the season each time and although there were lots of options today I settled on this butterfly as I haven't photographed any this year except a small blue in America.

This purple viburnum (I think) was one of several plants attracting lots of butterflies though I only saw two different species.

Looking ahead - I bought some tulips for pots next spring and a cornus (dogwood) to go with my other two for winter colour. Maybe I will be able to blip them.