Summer Colour in the Gardens: What to Look Out For
The Colours of Summer at Leonardslee
While Leonardslee is often celebrated for its spectacular spring displays, summer reveals a different kind of beauty. As the gardens settle into the season, colourful blooms, vibrant foliage, shimmering lakes and thriving wildlife combine to create a landscape that's full of life. Whether you're strolling beside the water, exploring woodland paths or discovering hidden garden spaces, summer is the perfect time to slow down and enjoy the colour that unfolds around every corner.
Follow the Colour Around the Lakes
The lakeside walks are one of the best places to experience summer at Leonardslee. Reflections of blue skies, mature trees and colourful planting dance across the water, while brilliant orange koi carp glide beneath the surface.
The grassy banks surrounding the lakes come alive with wildflowers that thrive in Leonardslee's nutrient-poor acidic soil. Look out for the tall purple spikes of Purple Loosestrife, Hemp-agrimony and Meadowsweet, alongside the striking white umbels of Hemlock Water-dropwort. Dragonflies skim across the lakes, butterflies drift between the flowers and birds provide a gentle soundtrack as you wander.
Discover Hidden Summer Blooms
Beyond the lakes, every area of the gardens offers something different. The Rock Garden provides a beautiful contrast of dramatic stonework and seasonal planting, while the Alpine House showcases fascinating alpine species and delicate blooms that reward those who take a closer look.
For bold summer colour, don't miss the Exotic Border near the play area, where architectural foliage and vibrant planting create one of the gardens' most striking displays. Nearby, the Herbaceous Beds are bursting with Lobelia tupa, Salvia 'Amistad', Salvia 'Black & Blue', Dahlia 'Stolze von Berlin', Gladiolus 'Bimbo', Eryngium 'Silver Ghost' and towering giant fennel.
Around the Leonardslee House Borders, look for elegant Hydrangea paniculata 'Limelight', colourful Canna 'Phasion', Alstroemeria 'Indian Summer', striking Eucomis autumnalis 'Alba' and dramatic foliage from Ensete ventricosum 'Maurelii'
A Celebration of Hydrangeas and Flowering Dogwoods
Summer wouldn't be complete without Leonardslee's impressive Hydrangeas. With more than 500 new plants added throughout the lower gardens and lakeside paths, visitors can enjoy clouds of blue, purple, pink and white blooms throughout the season. Thanks to the gardens' naturally acidic soil, many Hydrangeas display their signature rich blue and violet tones.
Don't miss the elegant Flowering Dogwoods (Cornus), whose pink, white and creamy blooms brighten the landscape. A particular favourite is 'Miss Satomi', found at the bottom of the main path from the entrance, while beautiful specimens can also be admired between Clapper and Leucothoe Pond, beside the Coronation Garden and near the Memorial Table.
Slow Down and Notice the Details
Summer colour at Leonardslee extends beyond the flowers. Watch butterflies settle on wild blooms, admire the ever-changing reflections across the lakes and listen for birdsong echoing through the trees. The slower you explore, the more you'll discover, from tiny alpine flowers and hidden orchids to colourful wildlife and peaceful woodland views.
This summer, take your time to experience Leonardslee beyond spring. Plan your visit and discover a colourful day out where every path reveals something new, every season brings fresh beauty and every visit leaves you inspired to return.