Rhododendron Resilience: A Blooming Marvel

Growing Leonardslee by Leonardslee Gardens

In the sixth episode of the 'Growing Leonardslee' podcast, general manager Adam Streeter goes deeper into the world of rhododendrons at Leonardslee Gardens, in discussion with head gardener Jamie Harris. Previously, the podcast explored the historical significance of rhododendrons at Leonardslee and how their presence put the garden on the map. Now, the focus shifts to the measures taken to ensure the survival and enjoyment of these magnificent plants for generations to come.

The gardens were saved by the Streeter family in 2017, following eight years of closure and neglect by previous owners, and then restored and opened by the family in 2019. It was one of the biggest restoration projects in England since the Lost Gardens of Heligan project.

Jamie and Adam discuss in the podcast the importance of preserving and protecting the rhododendrons. The need for vigilance in safeguarding these plants from potential threats, such as storms or diseases. To address this, Leonardslee Gardens has partnered with the Duchy College in Cornwall to micro-propagate some of our most important Rhododendron specimens. This involves breaking down flower buds into individual cells, which are then placed in a gel-like substance with added chemicals to nurture the growth of seedlings.

By micro-propagating the 40-odd specimens in their national collection, Leonardslee aims to create an exact replica of the parent plants, ensuring that future generations can enjoy the same captivating beauty that current visitors experience. This not only helps maintain the continuity of these important plants in the garden but also serves as a preventive measure against potential outbreaks of diseases or severe weather conditions that could damage or destroy the rhododendrons.