The Himalayan Glade

The Himalayan Glade is in a deep cleft carved out of uncompromising chunks of Ardingly sandstone along the north side of Westwood Valley. The planting represents the mountain vegetation of the Himalayas and China, with deciduous berberis giving a fine display of flaming scarlet leaves in autumn. A seasonal stream runs down the centre of the Glade and by it are bold displays of polygonums and euphorbias, together with splendid ginger-lilies.

The best view of the Himalayan Glade is from the viewpoint in the Pinetum. There are steps down into the Glade, and the small effort in descending them is amply rewarded with yet another example of the creative planting talent of Tony Schilling, who was responsible for the gardens from 1967 to 1991. He collected avidly in those far mountains and among his introductions to Wakehurst are Euphorbia schillingii, Populus glauca and Skimmia laureola subsp. multinervia. The ginger-lilies Hedychium 'Tara' and Hedychium 'Stephen' are named after his children.

Continue the tour

Back up to: Conservation Zone

Carry on to: Westwood Valley