Leith Hill

On the banks of Leith Hill there is a Rhododendron Garden.  In the hands of the National Trust, I personally think it could be maintained a bit better but, now that they have opened Leith Hill Place to the public,  there is a new car park and there are signs that work is slowly being done to restore the garden to it's former glory. It's full of spectacular species, some very rare and many of the plants dating back to the original garden, created by Caroline Wedgwood, wife of the famous potter. 

After moving to Leith Hill in 1847, she transformed the landscape from fields and hedgerows into a formal park and garden. The great storm of 1987 destroyed many of the mature trees and shrubs. Hundreds of trees had to be planted, grown and ultimately thinned, to recreate the optimum shade which essential for the Rhododendrons to grow successfully. 

I never know quite which is the best time to visit. There's no one time when everything flowers. Some of the ancient plants are past their best now but, others are in full flower and many still have to burst into colour.  

The sweet perfume that greets you when you leave the car is intoxicating. Springs emerge to run down through the hill creating stunning wildlife bog patches, and stinking quagmires for the dogs to wallow in. 

I came home via the river so the dogs could swim. The car smells much sweeter for their bath!  The images of the mosses and the lichens on the branches of the old Rhodies make up for the dogs misdemeanours!