Preserving Historic Gardens Together: Sheffield Park & Leonardslee Collaboration

Our team recently had the pleasure of visiting Sheffield Park & Garden to assist with the splitting and thinning of their spectacular water lilies. These iconic aquatic plants had flourished so much that it was time to give them a little care to keep the lakes healthy and vibrant.

This garden collaboration was not only about lending a hand but also about learning from Sheffield Park’s experienced horticultural team. We were able to share ideas, discover new techniques for water lily care, and even bring some water lilies back with us to enrich the lakes at Leonardslee.

Splitting water lilies is essential for maintaining healthy aquatic habitats. By dividing the rhizomes, the plants have space to grow, encouraging stronger blooms while preventing overcrowding in the lakes. It also improves water quality, providing a better environment for fish, insects, and other wildlife that rely on these ecosystems.

Did you know the spread of pink water lily Nymphaea ‘Marliacea Carnea’ is supposed to be around 1.5m across? The mature water lilies at Sheffield Park & Garden easily exceed this! And it’s not just the pink ones, Nymphaea escarboucle, the stunning red variety, grows even bigger. Both species were introduced to Sheffield Park Gardens around the late 1900s, creating the incredible displays we see today.

Of course, working in water always brings its own adventures! While tracing stems to the rhizomes, the water crept higher than expected, right over the top of our waders! Thankfully, the sunshine made for a warm, memorable afternoon rather than a chilly surprise.

We are excited to see these extraordinary water lilies thrive in our own lakes at Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens, adding colour, biodiversity, and new habitats for wildlife. A big thank you to Sheffield Park & Garden for welcoming us. This kind of horticultural teamwork helps keep our landscapes thriving for future generations.

And the collaboration doesn’t stop there. We have also invited the Sheffield Park & Garden team to join us at Leonardslee next year for a reciprocal visit, where they will assist with the restoration pruning of our rhododendrons and camellias. It’s a fantastic opportunity to continue sharing knowledge, techniques, and passion for preserving our historic gardens together.

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