The Growing Leonardslee podcast Episode 5 features General Manager Adam Streeter discussing with head gardener Jamie Harris the extraordinary rhododendron collection at Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens.
The Leonardslee rhododendrons have a rich history and are celebrated in various competitions, including the 2023 RHS Wisley Show, where the team recently won several top prizes. The Loder family, previous owners of Leonardslee Gardens, before the Streeter family, played a significant role in the development and popularisation of rhododendrons.
The Loderi hybrids, numbering around 35, are mostly still present in Leonardslee's gardens, and National Collection status has been granted to the estate for its collection.
Managed by Plant Heritage, the world's leading garden plant conservation and research charity, this status helps preserve essential plant collections for future generations. Out of the 42 hybrids in the collection, 17 can only be found at Leonardslee, with some represented by just a single plant - so the estate offers a very rare and precious garden sanctuary!