Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens Announces the Launch of the Spring Display of Rhododendrons

The gardening team at Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens is excited to announce the launch of the Spring Display of Rhododendrons. This annual display, usually at its peak in the month of May but often in late April and early June, is highly anticipated by garden lovers, and this year's display promises to be one of the best yet, says Jamie Harris, the head gardener.

Located in the heart of West Sussex, Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens is home to one of the most extensive and diverse collections of rhododendrons in the country. The 240-acre estate's Grade I Listed gardens feature many rare and exotic plants and trees, including hundreds of different species, cultivars and hybrids.

Visitors to the Spring Display of Rhododendrons will be treated to a stunning array of colours, shapes, and sizes, Jamie says. Some of the outstanding or rare species of Rhododendrons that visitors might see include:

• Rhododendron 'Vulcan' - This impressive variety features large, deep red flowers with a black blotch in the centre, making it stand out from other red-flowered rhododendrons. The flowers are set against dark green foliage, creating a dramatic effect.
• Rhododendron 'Loderi King George' - This magnificent variety produces large trusses of fragrant, pale pink flowers with a yellow throat. The flowers are produced in abundance.
• Rhododendron 'Jock' - This unique variety produces large, funnel-shaped flowers that are a vivid shade of pink with a darker pink edge.
• Rhododendron 'Sir Charles Lemon' - This unusual variety features large, fragrant flowers that are ivory white. The flowers are set against the foliage, creating a subtle yet beautiful effect.

"We are thrilled to be launching the Spring Display of Rhododendrons at Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens," says Jamie Harris. "Our collection of rhododendrons is truly exceptional, and we are excited to share it with visitors from around the world."

Leonardslee supports the RHS Rhododendron, Camellia & Magnolia Group (RCM) and is a member of Plant Heritage. The estate also collaborates with other local gardens, such as High Beeches, Borde Hill, Nymans, and Gravetye Manor.

The RHS RCM Group has gifted rhododendrons, camellias, and magnolias to King Charles for a collection at Sandringham. Two plants associated with Leonardslee, Rh. 'Loderi King George' and Rh. 'Loderi Sir Joseph Hooker', were included in the gift.

The latest series of ‘Growing Leonardslee’ podcasts are focused on rhododendrons. Each episode brings you insights into the beautiful gardens, the Michelin Star restaurant and the exciting year-round events programme. The host, General Manager Adam Streeter is joined by Jamie Harris.

The gardens are open to the public daily from 9am to 5pm with the last entry at 4:30pm. Tickets can be purchased online or at the entrance to the gardens.

Contact: 

Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens 

Brighton Road, Lower Beeding 

Horsham, West Sussex RH13 6PP 

www.leonardsleegardens.co.uk

info@leonardsleegardens.co.uk 

#leonardslee #leonardsleegardens #rhs #sussexgardens #rhododendron #rhsrhododendron #RCMGroup 

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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.

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. They can then enjoy a classic afternoon tea in the mansion house, making for a great family day out. It is one of the top places to visit in Sussex and is open all year round except Christmas Day.

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.

Vineyards –

Leonardslee Estate: Acquired 2018 - 3.1 Acres - 2018 First vines planted - 4,000 Estimated bottles Experimental planting of Pinotage - 2022 First estate Pinotage

Mannings Estate: Acquired 2017 - 34 Acres - 2017 First vines planted - 70,000 Estimated bottles Sparkling wine cultivars 60% Chardonnay, 30% Pinot Noir and 10% Pinot Meunier - 2024 First release of wine