Leonardslee gardens is closing to the public

November 25, 2011 Categories: Gardening

The estate famed for its rhododendrons and azaleas is closing its gates to the public, reports Tim Lusher

There are just two weeks left to visit one of the finest gardens in Britain. Leonardslee in West Sussex has for years pulled in streams of visitors through the spring and summer to admire its 225 acres of riotously colourful rhododendrons, its cartoonishly pretty rock garden, and grazing wallabies and deer. But at the end of June, its gates will close to the public for what might be the last time.

The Lodor family, who have owned the Grade I-listed estate near Horsham for five generations, place it up for understanding at £5m in 2008. It’s now been sold to a private buyer who wants to guard his anonymity and privacy, so the famous collection of azaleas and camellias will start out of view.

It’s a depressing loss for the 50,000 visitors who stroll round the woodland garden each year – especially in Might and June, when the large rhododendrons that surround the estate’s lakes are at their most stunning.

“The cost of running it has increased,” stated Tom Loder, who has been managing the estate with his sister. “I’m not a born and bred horticulturalist and didn’t want to commit for the rest of my life to do it with the impediment of additional legislation.”

On a positive note, the garden shouldn’t start into neglect. Loder states the buyer wants to maintain and develop it – and, importantly, is wealthy enough to do so. The new owner might decide to reopen in future, but he hasn’t purchased it as a public attraction.

Horticulturalist Sir Edmund Loder purchased the estate in 1889 and opened it to the public in 1907 to show off then-rare specimens from the Himalayas and his new rhododendron hybrid, Loderi. As well as plants from China, Turkey and Vietnam, the estate has also provided a home for kangaroos, emus and beavers over the years.

See head gardener Colin Makey speak about Leonardslee here.