THE oak needs no introduction. It is the grandest of all trees, whether you appreciate it in its full glory as nature intended or as a beautiful crafted piece of furniture. For me the oak is so special because of its shape in the landscape but also the time it takes to grow to its full potential.

There are about 600 species of oak in its native northern hemisphere, including deciduous and evergreen species. The English oak or common oak (Quercus robur) is native to Britain and has an average height of about 15 to 25 metres. It produces catkins (flowers) in spring and acorns (fruit) in autumn. It is the most common tree in southern and central Britain and throughout Europe is has been the most principal tree since prehistoric times.

The oak tree has a long history throughout Europe; it was sacred to the ancient Greeks. The Norse and Celts connected the tree with their gods of thunder, Zeus and Thor, and the oak tree has been adopted by many countries as a national symbol of strength and endurance.

The oak has had many uses over the years. It is mainly known for its timber, as the wood has great strength and density and its high tannin content makes it resistant to insect and fungal damage.

The timber was used in ship-building until the 19th Century and was the major material used in European timber-framed houses. Today oak is mostly used in furniture and flooring and for barrels used to age drinks such as sherry, wines, whiskey and brandy.

Bark from the oak was used for tanning leather and the acorns were used to make a coffee drink and fed to pigs to fatten them up as they provided a rich food supply (although poisonous to other animals such as cows, sheep, horses and goats).

Other species of oak have had very specific uses, for example the Japanese oak has been used to make drums, the density of the wood creating a louder and more vivid tone than other woods; the bark of the cork oak is used for wine cork/stoppers and the bark of the white oak is dried and used in medical preparations.

At RHS Garden Harlow Carr we are lucky to have many beautiful oaks including a very special chestnut leaved oak (Quercus castaneifolia “Green Spire”) which was introduced from the Caucasus and Iran in the mid-1840s.

Ours is a mature specimen and very special as there are not many of its quality to be found in the UK; they are must for any plant collector who has the space for one.

Harlow Carr diary dates

PHOTOGRAPHY MORNINGS
Saturdays in September from 8am
Make an early start and take advantage of the early morning light to capture the beauty of the late summer garden

WILLOW SCULPTURE TRAIL
September
Come and see a selection of new willow sculptures in the garden as part of this month long trail

THE APPLE DISPLAY
September 27 to October 1
A feast for the eyes and nose. Come and view this wonderful display showcasing hundreds of varieties of apples all grown in the north and get top tips and advice from the Northern Fruit Group l

  • Events at RHS Garden Harlow Carr are free with the normal garden entrance fee, except where stated. For further information call 01423-565418.
  • RHS Garden Harlow Carr, Crag Lane, Beckwithshaw, Harrogate HG3 1QB (Sat Nave postcode HG3 1UE). Open daily from 9.30am until 6pm (4pm Nov to Feb). RHS Members free, adults £7.70 (or £8.50 including gift aid), children (five to 16) £3.85 (or £4.25 including gift aid), under-fives free. Gardens: 01423-565418; shop and plant centre: 01423-724666; Bettys tea rooms 01423- 505604.

TO DO THIS WEEK

  • Divide herbaceous perennials
  • Pick autumn raspberries
  • Collect and sow seed from perennials and hardy annuals
  • Dig up remaining potatoes before slug damage spoils them
  • Net ponds before leaf fall gets under way
  • Keep up with watering of new plants, using rain or grey water if possible