floral displays

The Town Council is responsible for many green spaces in Harpenden including Town Centre greens, Batford Green, Southdown Green and a small area at Kinsbourne Green. We work hard to maintain the vibrancy of these areas, enhancing their features and ensure that Harpenden is a place where residents and visitors like to spend time, enjoy the environment and everything our town has to offer. 

Explore the Sensory Garden  

Originally opened to the public in 1998, the Sensory Garden in the centre of Harpenden was created by, and since dedicated to, Councillor Phyllis Moore in recognition of her tireless efforts on behalf of residents living with disabilities. It’s a delightful space, specifically designed with the needs of disabled and visually impaired individuals in mind. Sensory gardens bring a uniquely stimulating experience and since its opening, countless visitors have enjoyed this peaceful space for rest and relaxation, and as a meeting point for friends. 

Major renovations have been undertaken to enhance this important area over the last few years. Improvements to the Garden's design features including its resin pathway encircling the central bed, providing wheelchair users close access to the plants and a wheelchair accessible picnic bench, upgraded benches and rejuvenated planting.  

The Fountain area is a space to enjoy 

This is a space of historical importance, donated by Sir John Bennet Lawes Bart in 1890. Recent renovations have enhanced this area as a meeting place where people might enjoy a coffee, time outside or simply wait for the bus in pleasant surroundings. 

The fountain structure is a beautiful focal point, surrounded by benches and renewed planting including many perennial flowers, Japanese inspired ornamental acers and new evergreen hedging. Here you will also find town centre public toilets. 

Barrier baskets and triple tiered flower displays 

We are delighted that beautiful, impactful flower displays have been introduced across Harpenden. These free-standing displays are a sustainable way of adding to the aesthetics of Harpenden. The plants are more visible compared to flower beds and are placed in prominent locations for all to enjoy. 

The Town Council additionally takes care of flower baskets (barrier baskets) which are positioned on the railings in Harpenden. These stunning features make a big impact particularly in our shopping hubs as they blossom with colour and vibrancy. 

Examples of these displays can be found throughout the Town Centre, and at Batford Green, Southdown Green and Kinsbourne Green. 

Smaller green spaces and flower beds  

Every year, Brownies in Harpenden volunteer their time planting, weeding and taking care of their flower bed on Leyton Green. The Town Council has enjoyed supporting this great initiative and we are always delighted to see young people taking care of the environment.  

We also own and manage floral displays and herbaceous beds on Church Green where you will also find Harpenden’s War memorial, Lydekker Park and the Bull Road Roundabout which is planted with a selection of perennial flowers and shrubs designed to give added interest throughout the year.  

Visitors to the Town who would like to further explore Harpenden’s plants and flowers may want to continue to the Rothamsted Park Rose Garden which has received extensive renovation over the last few years with new benches and litter bins, restored paving and extensive new planting. It is a lovely place for park users to relax and enjoy the wonderful variety of roses and many other flowers, shrubs and ornamental grasses in a peaceful setting on the edge of the Park.