EHS visit to Leonardslee Gardens, 11th May 2023

 



Leonardslee garden is a grade 1 listed woodland garden lying to the south east of Horsham in West Sussex.  The big attraction in late spring is the huge collection of rhododendrons and azaleas which were in perfect condition on 11 May 2023 when a coach party of EHS members visited. The woodland, on two sides of a steep valley, is crisscrossed with paths, lovely to wander through and enjoy the vistas.  The 'Hammer Ponds' at the bottom of the valley originated in powering iron production in Tudor/Stuart times.  The woodland included many giant redwoods planted in the mid-1800s when collecting these American trees was all the rage.  I recommend joining a guided tour to find out about the interesting history of the gardens, its ups and downs with different owners, and the modern developments such as the first vineyard of Pinotage grapes in the UK.  



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