If you are a member of the Horticultural Society then you can have free access to the wonderful Lea Gardens, near Matlock. Entry to the gardens is normally £4 but to join the Horticultural Society it only costs £2 per year! Pay your membership to Nia, Dot or Mike H or Ben. If you would like to borrow the society’s tickets to the gardens ring Liz H (302) or Ben (665), ideally by the day before.
Lea Gardens is a unique collection of highly acclaimed rhododendrons, azaleas kalmias and other plants collected from the far corners of the world. Throughout May it is a true delight, open from 10am to 5pm, with a small plant centre and tea rooms.
The Gardens are sited on the remains of a medieval millstone quarry and cover an area of approximately 4 acres (1.6ha) on a wooded hillside. The excellent rock Garden contain a huge variety of alpines with acers, dwarf conifers, heathers and spring bulbs. 
Bird life has been encouraged in quiet woodland walks below the main gardens. This area, planted with ornamental trees and specie rhododendrons, contains many assorted bird-boxes donated by friends of Lea Gardens. The colours, scents and natural bird life can best be appreciated on a quiet weekday.
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