This month we talked to Janet Exler from North Horsham, who may be Leonardslee’s most regular visitor. She has walked over 1,200 miles through the gardens since we reopened in 2019. In her first year as a member, she completed 93 walks and over 400 in the past 2 years. Janet describes Leonardslee as ‘my happy place,’ and here’s what she has to say. 

Why did you become a member of Leonardslee? 

I used to go to Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens before it was closed to the public in 2010. When my neighbour told me Leonardslee was reopening, I joined in June 2019, knowing I would become a regular visitor. It’s somewhere I can go on my own and I feel very safe. I’m just coming up to the end of my 3rd year of membership. 

What do you enjoy most about walking in Leonardslee? 

The year-round beauty. I went today, and there were no clouds in the sky, and with the season changing, the leaves are beautiful. I have quite a hectic home life, so I like to be in nature and unwind. I’m a double carer and I appreciate having an hour on my own every day. I’ve met many lovely people and know all the gardeners and shuttle bus drivers.  

One lady I met there now walks with me once a week, and I meet friends at the gardens on Sunday afternoons for a walk and to have tea in the Clocktower Cafe.  

Do you have any advice for other carers? 

Many carers aren’t able to leave the people they are caring for, but if you can, do something that helps your mental health. My son is disabled due to a stroke he had at 45 and requires other carers to help him, which means I don’t have to be with him all the time. My husband has a brain aneurysm and can’t walk very well. I look after both of them, but I do get time to myself. I would say that carers should use what little free time they have to exercise and work on their mental health; that’s what Leonardslee helps me with. 

What do you like about the Leonardslee estate? 

The changing of the seasons and the wildlife. I take my daughter’s dog, Milo, with me on Thursdays and Fridays, and we see the odd wallaby roaming. I walk the top gardens in the mornings and often see herds of deer. That’s my favourite place. Sometimes I go through the woods, sometimes around the perimeter. It depends on how tired I am because it’s quite hilly. I was brought up on a farm and it brings me back to my childhood. 

What’s your favourite time of the year at Leonardslee? 

May, when the rhododendrons and azaleas are out, it’s absolutely stunning.   

Would you say any aspect of Leonardslee has inspired your own gardening? 

The flowers, without a doubt. I’ve grown some cosmos, which I had never heard of before I found them at the Leonardslee shop, and some lovely small dahlias. One of the gardeners gave me some excellent advice on how to prune my hydrangeas. I saw him doing it at Leonardslee one day and he was very helpful.  

Have you been to any of the events at Leonardslee? 

We’ve been to Illuminated and loved it. I think I’ll be going this year as I get a free ticket to Illuminated with my membership. I’ll be renewing my Leonardslee membership this month!