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Leonardslee’s wonderful trees and rhododendrons, reflected in the smooth water of the lakes is a far cry from the same location way back in the 16th century. In those days Sussex was iron country and the streams and small rivers were re- shaped to form feeder systems into the valley bottoms to form ‘hammer ponds’. The water power thus created, was used to drive the hammers that pounded the rock to extract valuable iron ore.
Now Leonardslee is peace and tranquillity thanks to the foresight of Sir Edmund Loder who, in the 19th century, started to create what is now Leonardslee Gardens. By introducing exotic plants and a herd of Tasmanian wallabies.Sir Edmund created the foundations for todays spectacular gardens.
The 240 acre grounds of Leonardslee Gardens include a rock garden, alpine house, temperate glasshouse, bonsai collection and miles of woodland paths to explore.
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