Leonardslee Gardens
Bateman's Borde Hill Great Dixter High Beeches Gardens Highdown Gardens Leonardslee Gardens Merriments Gardens Nymans Garden Pashley Manor Gardens Petworth Sheffield Park Gardens Standen Wakehurst Place	The thumbnails below are linked to larger pictures Please note that Leonardslee is no longer open to the public and is now a private garden Leonardslee Gardens are located close to M23 (J11), off the B2110 in Sussex. They cover about 240 acres in a sheltered valley which includes seven lakes and was largely developed in the late 1800's by the Loder family who originated from Dorset. The current family members including Robin Loder still own and manage the estate today. Rhododendrons, Azaleas, Camellias and Magnolias flourish in the gardens and provide a vibrant display in May each year which is legendary. A new vista of color presents itself at every turn. As a background to this colourful display is the woodland valley, populated with old oak, beech, birch, intermingled with larch and scots pine. Add to this the stream and lakes and you have the perfect setting. In summer the gardens and lakes take on a more subdued and subtle beauty with wild flowers and fragrant flowering trees. There are wildfowl, large carp and also wallabies and deer. The Wallabies have lived semi-wild in the gardens for 100 years and help to keep the grass under control. In addition to the beauty of the gardens there are other attractions including the collection of Victorian Motor Cars which are kept in perfect working order and take part in the annual London to Brighton run; an award winning Bonsai exhibition and the "Behind the Dolls House" exhibition depicting a country estate of some 100 years ago, at 1/12th scale. There is also the Clock Tower Restaurant, a gift shop shop and plant sales. Leonardslee makes an excellent day out at anytime but is often described as the most beautiful woodland garden in Europe during the month of May. The charm of the garden is that it is informal but has evolved over 200 years into a beautiful landscape. *Link to official site for viewing Visitor Information* Leonardslee Autumn 2003 Leonardslee is renowned for its magnificent display of colour in the late spring, but these pictures taken in October show that the Autumn foliage display is also worthy of a visit. See also the Sheffield Park page for even more Autumn colour. Leonardslee Autumn 2008 A further visit to Leonardslee Gardens in late October 2008, showing the best of the Autumn colours. Also the "Beyond The Dolls House" exhibition shows the workings of a country estate and neighbouring market town of 100 years ago, meticulously researched and exquisitely made, in 1/12 scale. Visitors can see inside the buildings, and every detail is historically accurate.