Growing Leonardslee by Leonardslee Gardens Leonardslee Gardens

In Episode 10 of the Growing Leonardslee podcast, Adam Streeter, the General Manager of Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens, talks with Sussex author Hannah Peckham who was back this year at the estate for the return of the children’s Conker Activity Trail – which everyone loved.  
This immersive event invited visitors to explore nature, their senses, and their emotions while engaging with the imaginative world of Hannah's books, including the award-winning Conker the Chameleon.  
“My books aim to lay the foundations of emotional literacy. The first, ‘Conker the Chameleon’ focused on how important it is to talk about feelings. ‘Conker and the Monkey Trap’ looks at letting go of big feelings, mental well-being and how being brave comes in all different shapes and sizes,“ Hannah says.  

In Episode 9 of the Growing Leonardslee podcast, Adam Streeter, the General Manager of Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens, talks with chefs Jean Delport and Ruan Pretorius. They discuss the journey of Restaurant Interlude, a growing presence on the UK restaurant scene that earned its first Michelin Star within a year of opening. Now, with its luxury overnight accommodation, it has featured in The Times ‘100 Best Places to Stay’. 

In this new podcast interview, Adam Streeter, the general manager of Leonardslee, and chefs Jean Delport and Ruan Pretorius provide a glimpse into the philosophy, journey, and unique offerings of Michelin Star award-winning Restaurant Interlude.  
With their passion, commitment to sustainability and dedication to creating a memorable experience, Jean and Ruan have elevated Interlude to become a gem in the vibrant British culinary scene, one that is increasingly attracting rave reviews in UK national media. 
From the outset, it is evident that Interlude is more than just a restaurant - it is a destination. Jean and Ruan have crafted an immersive experience where guests are taken on a unique culinary journey within the historic Grade I Listed garden estate. The chefs aim to create an atmosphere where guests can unwind, relax, and revel in the sensory delights of their meticulously prepared dishes. Interlude is not a place for a quick meal; it is a sanctuary where time slows down, and every moment is savoured. 

In the seventh episode of the 'Growing Leonardslee' podcast, general manager Adam Streeter delves into the fascinating world of rhododendrons at Leonardslee Gardens. He engages in another lively discussion with head gardener Jamie Harris about growing these beautiful plants in a personal garden space.

Adam shares his own interest in learning more about rhododendrons and creating a small Leonardslee-like garden in his own garden. The conversation focuses on providing tips and advice to people who may be inspired by the beauty of Leonardslee Gardens and are considering growing rhododendrons in their own 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. 

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!