High Beeches Garden wins first prize

Exhibitors came from Hampshire, Sussex and Surrey to the event at Tilgate Park, Crawley.

This annual event is a showcase for the very best Rhododendrons, Magnolias and Camellias and is judged by a team of Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) judges.

The prize winning Rhododendron was Rhododendron kesangiae, named after Bhutan’s Queen Mother.

It has a magnificent, large bright pink flower head with big leaves.

Other prize winning Rhododendrons from High Beeches included White Glory, a spectacular white flowered variety with a pink tinge to the petals and the pink Rhododendron Albrechtii.

Sarah Bray of High Beeches said: “We are delighted to continue our prize winning track record at this important show.”

The Gardens at Handcross have a strong record of winning at the show. High Beeches has a superb collection of Rhododendrons, recommended in the RHS Rhododendron, Camellias and Magnolias Handbook 2010 as the place to see Rhododendrons growing with good spacing so that their true characteristics can be enjoyed.

High Beeches Gardens open 1-5pm everyday except Wednesdays, but on Bank Holiday Monday May 7 from 11am.

On May 26 and 27 High Beeches Gardens hosts a Bonsai Weekend with gold medal Chelsea exhibits.

And new for 2012 is the Wildflower and Wildlife Open Day on June 17 with Plantlife – the leading wildflower charity. Visitors will be able to find out about the local flora with guided walks. The County Botanist will also be present. To book a place please contact Alison Craig on 01722 342753 or email [email protected] by June 14.