The Harris Garden is situated on the Whiteknights campus of the University of Reading, Berkshire, UK. It is an important amenity and access is granted to all who wish to visit.

The Friends of the Harris Garden is a charitable organisation which was founded in 1987 to support the development of the garden, in partnership with the University.

Come and enjoy this interesting garden which is a haven of peace and tranquillity situated on the campus of the University. The planting provides year round interest and is open daily from 9am to dusk. 

Garden Highlights

• The garden is set in an area which contains many rare and unusual trees and shrubs from around the world, some dating from the original 18th and 19th century gardens. These include the veteran Turkey Oaks of which only five now remain.
• Under the Turkey Oaks you will find the stream flowing through small pools into the pond. It has spring and summer planting on its banks.
• Beyond the stream is the Flower Meadow featuring mainly native wild flowers which provide a magnificent sight that is enhanced by the addition of bulbous plants such as narcissi, camassias and alliums when they are in bloom.
• The Crab Apple Orchard and the Cherry Bowl provide a wonderful sight in the spring. Most of the ornamental apples have colourful autumn foliage and decorative fruit which provide a feast for birds and squirrels.
• Several large herbaceous borders in the Formal Garden and elsewhere provide colour from spring to autumn and contain a wide range of plants. The Conifer Circle provides a wonderful backdrop.
• The gravel garden is a recent addition and was created around two large eucalyptus trees. It contains many drought tolerant plants which give texture and structure and are attractive to bees and butterflies.

Entrance to the Harris Garden is behind the Harborne and Philip Lyle Buildings (W31 and W32), School of Biological Sciences.

By Bus
Buses 20, 20a, 21, 9, and 144 from Reading train station and Reading town are frequent and take 15 minutes.
The number 9 and 144 stop at the Shinfield Road entrance to the University - 10 minute walk across the campus from here to the Harris Garden.
20, 20a and 21 leave the Shinfield Road to travel through the campus to Pepper Lane. The nearest stop for the Harris Garden is the first stop on Pepper Lane after the bus leaves the university campus. About a 5 min walk to the Harris Garden from here.

Walking, cycling
From the Pepper Lane entrance to campus, turn right and follow the road to car park 13 and the Harborne Building. Cycle racks are in front of the Harborne building. The garden lies just behind and to the right of the Harborne building.
The Harris Garden is only a few minutes’ walk from anywhere on campus and nearby. Why not bring lunch and meet friends for a picnic?

Driving
Car parking on the University of Reading campus is only available weekdays after 5.00pm and at weekends.

Motorcycle parking is available at the side of the Harborne Building.

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