Advertise on podcast: Growing Leonardslee by Leonardslee Gardens

In this episode of Growing Leonardslee, host Adam Streeter is joined by Head Gardener Jamie Harris and Senior Gardener Sarah Gardner for a deep dive into one of the estate’s most treasured and picturesque spaces: the Rock Garden.  Discover the fascinating history behind this iconic feature designed by the famous Pulham & Sons — when it was created and the vision Sir Edmund Loder had when selecting the original plantings that continue to shape its character today. From early 20th-century horticultural ideals to the present day, the Rock Garden stands as a living testament to over a century of garden design and care.  Jamie and Sarah share how the garden has evolved over the decades one of the highlights of Leonardslee, as well as the ongoing work involved in preserving its delicate balance of rock and plant life. Learn about the specialist tools and techniques used to maintain this historic garden, and how the team blends conservation with thoughtful innovation.  The episode also features personal reflections from the gardening team, including their favourite areas of the garden, rare plant highlights, and the seasonal moments that best showcase the Rock Garden in all its glory.  We explore the idea of the Rock Garden as a living exhibition—a constantly changing, carefully maintained space that invites exploration, appreciation, and respect for its fragility and significance.  Whether you're planning your first visit or have wandered its winding paths many times before, this episode offers a new perspective on one of Leonardslee’s most captivating horticultural gems.  Experience Spring | Leonardslee Gardens  Visit | Leonardslee Gardens 

In this special episode, join MD of Leonardslee and host Adam Streeter as we go behind the scenes of The Great British Menu’s 20th anniversary with none other than Michelin-starred chef Jean Delport of Restaurant Interlude at Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens - champion of two standout dishes at this year’s banquet finals.  Joined by his wife and Restaurant Manager, Anya Delport, we get a glimpse into the dynamic partnership that fuels Interlude’s success.  We also sit down with the man behind the magic of the table: Ben from Designs Woodcraft, whose bespoke handcrafted props helped bring Jean’s plates to life on screen. Designs Woodcraft is a West Sussex based family run company specialising in bespoke handmade furniture and one-off pieces, all built and installed using sustainable materials.  From the pressure of the competition to the passion behind the plating, this is a rich, flavourful conversation you won’t want to miss.  Dine at Restaurant Interlude: www.restaurant-interlude.co.uk/reservations  Watch the Great British Menu: Great British Menu - BBC iPlayer  Visit Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens: Leonardslee Gardens  Designs Woodcraft: Home - Designs Woodcraft Sussex Sussex Bespoke Wooden Sustainable Furniture and Homeware

In Episode 10 of the Growing Leonardslee podcast, Adam Streeter, the General Manager of Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens, talks with Sussex author Hannah Peckham who was back this year at the estate for the return of the children’s Conker Activity Trail – which everyone loved. This immersive event invited visitors to explore nature, their senses, and their emotions while engaging with the imaginative world of Hannah's books, including the award-winning Conker the Chameleon. “My boo...

In Episode 9 of the Growing Leonardslee podcast, Adam Streeter, the General Manager of Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens, talks with chefs Jean Delport and Ruan Pretorius. They discuss the journey of Restaurant Interlude, a growing presence on the UK restaurant scene that earned its first Michelin Star within a year of opening. Now, with its luxury overnight accommodation, it has featured in The Times ‘100 Best Places to Stay’.

In this new podcast interview, Adam Streeter, the general manager of Leonardslee, and chefs Jean Delport and Ruan Pretorius provide a glimpse into the philosophy, journey, and unique offerings of Michelin Star award-winning Restaurant Interlude. With their passion, commitment to sustainability and dedication to creating a memorable experience, Jean and Ruan have elevated Interlude to become a gem in the vibrant British culinary scene, one that is increasingly attracting rave reviews in...

In the seventh episode of the 'Growing Leonardslee' podcast, general manager Adam Streeter delves into the fascinating world of rhododendrons at Leonardslee Gardens. He engages in another lively discussion with head gardener Jamie Harris about growing these beautiful plants in a personal garden space. Adam shares his own interest in learning more about rhododendrons and creating a small Leonardslee-like garden in his own garden. The conversation focuses on providing tips and advice to people...

In the sixth episode of the 'Growing Leonardslee' podcast, general manager Adam Streeter goes deeper into the world of rhododendrons at Leonardslee Gardens, in discussion with head gardener Jamie Harris. Previously, the podcast explored the historical significance of rhododendrons at Leonardslee and how their presence put the garden on the map. Now, the focus shifts to the measures taken to ensure the survival and enjoyment of these magnificent plants for generations to come. The garden...

The Growing Leonardslee podcast Episode 5 features General Manager Adam Streeter discussing with head gardener Jamie Harris the extraordinary rhododendron collection at Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens. The Leonardslee rhododendrons have a rich history and are celebrated in various competitions, including the 2023 RHS Wisley Show, where the team recently won several top prizes. The Loder family, previous owners of Leonardslee Gardens, before the Streeter family, played a significant role ...

Join us for the latest ‘Growing Leonardslee’ podcast as Adam Streeter talks to South African artist Anton Smit and estate owner Penny Streeter about the creation of one of Europe’s largest sculpture parks and Anton’s magnificent new exhibition ‘The Walk of Life’. Anton tells us how he went against all his family’s expectations for his career to dedicate himself to sculpture. In 2018 he and his wife Roelien met Penny for the first time and realised their mutual love of South African art....

Join us to be Enchanted and Illuminated in the latest Leonardslee podcast as Adam Streeter and his event co-organisers talk about these two jewels in the crown of our 2021 programme. Adam reviews with Robin Morely and Simon Teesdale highlights of the Enchanted Leonardslee event, until Sunday, 8 Aug 2021 - please see the website for dates and times. Hear about the magical trail through the beautiful woods and lakes, with music and theatrical performance and spectacular visual and sound ...

Restaurant Interlude - The Journey to A Michelin Star Join us for the latest ‘Growing Leonardslee’ podcast as estate general manager Adam Streeter talks with South African chef Jean Delport. They discuss with estate owner Penny Streeter OBE the amazing journey from setting up Restaurant Interlude together in the newly restored Leonardslee House in 2018, to winning a first Michelin Star in record time - and now retaining it for a second successive year. It all started seven...

In this debut episode of the ‘Growing Leonardslee’ podcast, Adam is joined by Head Gardener Jamie, Restaurant Interlude’s Jean and estate owner Penny Streeter OBE. They discuss one of the most popular seasons to enjoy the visual delights of Leonardslee: Spring. Jamie, who joined the estate in January, details the challenges he faced when planning the Spring gardens, including trying to get his bearings in the 250-acre woodland gardens and working around the April cold snap - all while b...