Leonardslee Triumphs at RHS Competitions and Announces Spring Rhododendron Walks

Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens, the Grade I Listed woodland gardens renowned for its spring floral displays, has achieved new horticultural success at the 2024 RHS Early Rhododendron, Main Camellia and Spring Ornamental Competitions held at RHS Garden, Wisley. The gardening team, led by Head Gardener Jamie Harris, secured an impressive array of accolades, including seven first prizes, seven second prizes, two third prizes, and two fourth prizes.

Among the notable achievements, Leonardslee was awarded the prestigious John Fox Challenge Plate for the most points awarded to a garden from the South East region, the International Camellia Society Challenge Plate for the best Camellia bloom in the show, the Peter Betterley Cup for the most points scored in the Camellia competition, and the John Hilliard Cup for the best rhododendron spray.

Jamie Harris said: "We are thrilled with the recognition our gardens have received at the RHS competitions in only the second year we have entered. These awards are a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire team, who strive to maintain and enhance the beauty of these historic gardens for our visitors to enjoy."

In celebration of these achievements and the peak of the rhododendron flowering season, Leonardslee has announced its upcoming Rhododendron Walks, taking place on May 16th and 29th, 2024, from 11:00 to 12:30. These guided walks, led by the estate's passionate naturalist and gardener, Elliot Chandler, will offer visitors a unique opportunity to enjoy the spectacular display of colours and fragrances.

Visitors will be introduced to Leonardslee's extensive collection of rhododendrons, which includes rare and exotic species collected from around the world. Elliot will decide the route of the walk the day before, to take in as many of the flowering highlights as possible. This might include a walk along the top of the valley, through the enchanting Loderi garden, Lower, Middle and Top Walk, and down to the tranquil Dell.

Gardening enthusiasts will have the chance to learn about the history and cultivation of these magnificent plants, as well as receive expert advice on growing and managing rhododendrons in their own gardens.

"The Rhododendron Walks are a wonderful way for visitors to experience the beauty and diversity of our gardens during the peak flowering season," added Jamie Harris. "We are excited to share our knowledge and passion with our guests, and we hope that these walks will inspire a deeper appreciation for the wonders of nature."

Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens boasts one of the most extensive and diverse collections of rhododendrons in the country, with its 240-acre estate featuring countless rare and exotic plant species. The annual Spring Display of Rhododendrons, typically at its peak in May, promises to be an unforgettable experience for gardeners and nature lovers alike.

To participate in the Rhododendron Walks, visitors can purchase tickets on the Leonardslee website or at the entrance on the day of the event. Garden entry is included in the ticket price, allowing guests to explore the stunning grounds and enjoy a day out in the picturesque West Sussex countryside.

For more information about Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens, the Rhododendron Walks, and the recent successes at the RHS competitions, please visit www.leonardsleegardens.co.uk or contact the estate office at info@leonardsleegardens.co.uk. 

Contact:

Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens 

Brighton Road, Lower Beeding 

Horsham, West Sussex 

RH13 6PP, United Kingdom 

Email: info@leonardsleegardens.co.uk  

Phone: +44 (0)1403 871423 

Website: https://www.leonardsleegardens.co.uk 

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Editors notes

Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens is a family-owned vineyard estate, near Horsham in West Sussex, which features ‘the finest woodland gardens in England’, Grade I Listed, as well as a Michelin Star restaurant and luxury vineyard accommodation.

The 240-acre estate was established by Sir Edmund Loder, the great Victorian plant collector, and now includes a Sussex Wine vineyard, with the first release of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier sparkling wine in 2024.

The estate features outstanding displays all year round. In the spring this includes rhododendrons, azaleas, camellias, magnolias and bluebells. The collection is exceptional in its diversity and maturity, with several rare ‘champion’ trees, threatened in their natural habitat.

The gardens offer a protected ecosystem for rare wildlife such as Emperor Dragonflies and Damselflies, White Admiral and Purple Hairstreak butterflies and migratory and native birds - Kites, Great Tits, Tree Creepers, Nuthatches, Woodpeckers and Nightingales.

The estate reopened in April 2019, following acquisition and two years’ intensive work by entrepreneur Penny Streeter OBE to restore the woodland gardens after eight years of closure and neglect under previous ownership. It was the largest garden restoration project in the United Kingdom since Heligan 30 years before.

Since further restoration work in 2021, visitors can also stay in the luxury vineyard hotel after dining at Restaurant Interlude in Leonardslee House, the Grade II Listed Italianate mansion house, to experience the Michelin Star multi-course tasting menu created by chef Jean Delport.

The estate offers a great family day out and is one of the top places to visit in West Sussex. Visitors can view a magical world in miniature at the Beyond the Doll's House exhibition, which depicts the Edwardian estate and neighbouring villages at 1:12 scale. There is also an exciting new 2,500 sq m play park designed to mix recreational play with the natural attractions of the Grade I Listed woodland gardens, and a spectacular winter festival annually when the gardens are illuminated, attracting many thousands of visitors.

For great days out, there is an extensive programme of entertainment that includes winter garden illuminations and light trails, wine and beer festivals, photo and art exhibitions, live music events, cooking and gardening demonstrations, arts and crafts fairs, modelling and toy shows, and children’s events and adventure trails.

Leonardslee Family Vineyards in numbers

· Acquired 2017 · Total Estate 750 acres · 38 Acres of vineyard, 73,000 vines

· 2017 First vines planted · 170 Tonnes of grapes, 2023 harvest · 100,000 bottles annually produced · Sparkling wine cultivars 60% Chardonnay, 30% Pinot Noir and 10% Pinot Meunier · 2024 First release of wine