Mosaic creators showcase Yorkshire's beauty at RHS Harlow Carr

But it is also a place of inspiration for artists - and this month an exhibition of intricate mosaics themed on Yorkshire takes place at the gardens.

The event is run by a northern group of mosaic artists, BAMM North, part of BAMM (The British Association for Modern Mosaic – known as Modern Mosaic).

BAMM North Chairman, Lisa-marie Newman, said: “This year’s theme is ‘Up Hill and Down Dale: A Celebration of Yorkshire’ and will feature the work of 20 artists from across the north, with a huge variety of approaches and styles, as well as subject matter.

Artists use a swathe of different materials, from standard tiles to pebbles, stained glass to broken terracotta, ceramic tiles to cut bricks.

“The styles vary from abstract to figurative wildlife pieces, but all of them represent Yorkshire, its beautiful countryside, industrial heritage and diverse wildlife.”

The exhibition is staffed by the mosaic artists, who will be on hand to answer questions, explain techniques and point interested artists in the direction of a mosaic course local to them, if they wanted to try the art form for themselves.

It takes place in the Bath House, within the gardens of Harlow Carr.

As well as the main exhibition, the Bath House has a gift shop area, where visitors are able to buy smaller items and mosaic kits. Everything is locally hand-made by the artists.

Among artists involved are Frances Taylor, who runs Mosaic Mania, based in Otley.

Ms Taylor teaches mosaic making at her riverside studio, and also runs community projects to bring the artform to schools and other groups.

Entry to the exhibition is included with tickets to RHS Harlow Carr.

Aimee Beth Browning, horticulturalist at the gardens, said: “A journey through the woodland is a delight at this time of year, as spring flowers carpet the woodland floor and towering rhododendrons explode with colour overhead.

“End your stroll at the Bath House Terraces to admire the daintiest gems up close.”

It comes as National Garden Week begins.

Running from April 27 to May 3, the RHS is encouraging people of all ages across the UK to take part in simple, curiosity led actions, from noticing what is already growing in their own gardens or local green space, to planting something new, taking part in a wildlife count or learning more about gardening through a course or workshop.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Tim Upson, RHS Director of Gardens and Horticulture said: “Gardening is all about curiosity, experimentation and asking questions.

"This year’s National Gardening Week is a celebration of the wonder that plants and gardens bring to our lives while encouraging people of all ages to learn about plants, connect with nature and discover the wellbeing and environmental benefits of gardening.”