Leonardslee Gardens , 10th May, 1989.
Perhaps it was the ominous sky of the morning that restricted our number to about 30, but, if a bit humid, it was sunny and warm in the afternoon. We found the marvellous collection of rhododendrons and azaleas at their best, and though there had obviously been heavy losses during the 1987 hurricane, there remained many fine specimen trees for this the Garden’s Centenary Year.
Some, after exploring the colourful rockery and formal areas preferred to enjoy the view down the wooded valley to the hammer ponds (nowadays purely ornamental) from one of the well-sighted seats. Braver spirits pressed on down to see the Wallabies and to search for the Loder Memorial Tablet. After the climb back up again (evidently not the best place to visit after heavy rain) tea and cake in the somewhat crowded tea room was a pleasant finale to an enjoyable visit before we sought the car park via second walk through the greenhouse and the tempting contents of the nursery sales area.
