Rhododendron Dell
The Rhododendron Dell was originally known as the Hollow Walk and was carved out of the Thames flood plain by Lancelot 'Capability' Brown in 1773.
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Rhododendron Dell
Historical information
It was in the shape of a large oval horseshoe, set within an area of woodland and planted with laurels, that earned this attraction its other name of Laurel Walk. It is now thought not be be entirely of Brown's original thinking, since early maps show that in around 1734, Charles Bridgeman had created a sunken feature in Richmond Gardens. Part of it lies within the bounds of Hollow Walk, so it is highly likely that rather than filling in the whole of the Bridgeman's feature, Brown retained part of it and then extended it to make his famous sunken walk.
The 1794 plan of the Gardens shows Hollow Walk following its original line. By the time of Aiton's "View" of 1837, the Hollow Walk had changed its shape, now connecting with the path that ran behind the Walk to the west. The northern end was also foreshortened when the Stafford Walk cut across it. This early 19th century reorganisation of Hollow Walk created the form that the Rhododendron Dell now follows.
Specimens
- there are over 700 specimens planted in the Dell, with some unique hybrids found only here
- the oldest specimen is Rhododendron campanulatum; the most highly scented are Rhododendron kewense 'King George' and Rhododendron loderi. Flowering continues from November to August, with most at their best in late May
- the brilliant mass of white flowers each spring comes from the largest planting, 'Cunningham's White', which thrives in the local conditions, shaded by trees and kept humid by the Thames nearby
In recent times several factors have affected the collection. These include the loss of shade-providing elms in the late 1970s, due to Dutch Elm Disease; the storms of 1987 and 1990, attack by Armillaria fungus, and prolonged periods of drought.
Kew's response has been to plant new trees, creating more shade; treat the area with high-acidity mulch; and to add soil conditioners which helps the rhododendrons to thrive.
The original planting is being augmented with the planting of more rhododendron hybrids and species, as well as other plants to extend the period of interest. This has helped recreate much of the splendour of the original Rhododendron Dell, making it one of the most popular areas with visitors.
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1 comment on 'Rhododendron Dell'
Souleymane Kane says
30/09/2009 4:17:00 PM | Report abuse
I've just become a member after years of living nearby and this is one of my guilty secrets. I say guilty because I have never actually seen it in bloom but there is something about the place that I love. And what are those weird squishy red fruits around the same size as a golfball on one of the trees in the glade?