SUMMER HIGHLIGHTS
Filled with views of horticultural wonders, feel the textured bark of ancient trees, and be enveloped by the fresh fragrance of summer blooms.
WILDFLOWERS
In the height of summer, the grassy banks around the lakes and the open areas in the Deer Park are studded with a huge diversity of wildflowers that love our nutrient-poor acid soil.
Around the lakes margins look for the tall spikes of Purple Loosestrife, Hemp-agrimony, Meadowsweer and the huge white umbrellas of Hemlock Water Dropwort. On the drier slopes you can find the tiny Skullcap, Tormentil, Goldenrod and Betony alongside the purple masses of the Common Heather and Bell Heather.
We also have some rare specialist wildflowers such as the delicate blue Ivy-leaved Bellflower, the damp-loving Bog Pimpernel and the bright yellow March St John’s Wort.
Foxglove
These flowers are pink-purple, occasionally white, with darker spots on the lower lip. Tube-shaped blooms grow on tall spikes, and the plant can reach up to 2m in height. Fun Fact: Folklore has it said that fairies gave these flowers to foxes to wear on their paws so they could tread silently when bunting.
Wild Orchids
Look out for these beautiful but uncommon flowers that can be found within our woodlands, they are usually tucked away in dark places or found growing in grassy glades. Violet Hellenborines are a delicate and uncommon flower with pale green with a hint of yellow, brown and the occasional pint. This flower has a broad lip that can be up to 1cm wide. . Autumn Lady’s Tresses has notable white blooms that grow in an almost perfect spiral.
HYDRANGEAS
Leonardslee is bursting with even more hydrangeas!
Our display offers a variety of hydrangeas varying in colour but commonly blue and purple due to the acidic soil conditions at Leonardslee. However, not all hydraneas’ colour is determined by the soil’s acidity. Most lacecap and mophead varieties abide by this rule. Visitor may notice that white flowering varieties will remain white, with some getting a tinge of pink or blue towards the end of summer.
Over 500 new plants have been added to our existing collection around lakes and lower gardens, creating a vibrant display as you wander the paths. The small petals are called sepals and are actually leaves to protect the flower bud.
Fun Fact:
Each colour of hydrangea has a meaning associated with it. Pink means love and sincerity, blue represents forgiveness and white represents boastfulness. Purple, however, is the colour that stands for abundance and understanding.
FLOWERING DOGWOODS
Look out for the vibrant displays of Cornus (dogwood) trees in full bloom – pinks, whites, and creamy stripes paint the gardens. A firm favourite being "Miss Satomi” pretty in a light pink and white found at the bottom of the main path from the entrance.
Visitors can view the beautiful Cornus on the banks between Clapper and Leucothoe Pond, a perfect backdrop for “Ruth” sculpture near the Coronation Garden and the Cornus by Memorial Table.
Did you know?
In autumn, the trees produce lychee-like fruit, which Chef jean Delport from Michelin star Interlude, a restaurant with rooms, uses in various dishes. The fruit have similar hints of plum and guava