Although we are regulars at Richmond Park, we don’t always go to Isabella Plantations. Mostly, we go to see the deer and walk for exercise. However, last year we visited Isabella Plantation in the spring. Unfortunately, it was too early to catch the riot of colourful Kurume Azaleas around the Still Pond. This year, I was not going to be caught out, especially since London has been mostly sunny in April. I was not disappointed. The Still Pond looked like something from an Asian travel magazine. I heard a visitor say, ” Everyone would be jealous of my stories”. That could be you! It’s accessible by car or public transport. Whatever you do, put this garden on your ‘must-visit list’. This blog will tell you what you need to know before you go. Visit Isabella Plantation for outdoor visual colour therapy and forest bath while you are at it.
About Isabella Plantation
The area now known as Isabella Plantation dates back to the 17th century, but where did the ‘exotic’ sounding name originate? Then, it was known as The Sleyt, the word used for boggy ground or an open space between woods or banks. It’s likely ‘Isabella’ came from the word 15th century word ‘isabel’, meaning dingy or greyish-yellow water, which is the colour of the soil in this part of the park. Maps from 1771 show the area named ‘Isabella Slade’. Today, we call it Isabella Plantation. Personally, I prefer the old name, rather than ‘plantation’.
The plantation was enclosed in 1831, by which time most of the oaks, beeches and sweet chestnuts were planted. Although some of the oaks are much older. There’s one venerable pollard that predates the Park in 1637. In total, there are 40 acres, and it was opened to the public in 1953.
The gardens have the National Plant Collection of Wilson 50 Kurume Azaleas (introduced to the West from Japan in the 1920s by the plant collector Ernest Wilson). There is a large collection of Rhododendron, Magnolia and Camellia, as well as a range of trees, shrubs and herbaceous plants.
Isabella Plantation Through The Seasons
All year round, there’s always something to see at Isabella Plantation. During spring, you will see camellias, magnolias, daffodils and bluebells. Most of the rhododendrons and azaleas come into flower.
All around is a brilliant explosion of colour, and the main attraction for many visitors is the Still Pond, as seen in my feature image.
In the Summer, Japanese irises, day lilies and candelabra primulas brighten up the streams. Then, the late rhododendrons accompany the flowering styrax trees along with fragrant Magnolia sinesis.
As the days begin to darken in Autumn, the tinted leaves of Fothergill, Japanese acers and tupelo trees range from scarlet to butter-yellow. The Guelder Rose, rowans and hawthorns carry bright autumn fruits.
Finally, as the year draws to a close, in Winter, visitors can smell Witch Hazel and Mahonia. Rhododendrons ‘Christmas Cheer’ and ‘Mid-Winter’ come into flower along with early camellias. Then, the decorative bark of the Tibetan Cherry, Himalayan Birch, and Snake Bark Acer becomes visible.
Visiting Isabella Plantation
Getting to Isabella Plantation is easy via public transport. No 85 and K3 (Warren Road stop) buses, which stop near the Ladderstile Gate, which gives pedestrian access to the gate off Kingston Hill. If you are driving, the Broomfield Hill car park is situated on the park’s southeastern perimeter and is a 500-yard walk away. Alternatively, you can park at the Peg’s Pond car park.
There are cafes and kiosks dotted around Richmond Park. Visit the website to choose one based on how you arrived at the park.
Whatever you do, put this garden on your ‘must-visit list’.
Stay Social
Isabella Plantation is a floral oasis in busy southwest London, located inside Richmond Park. The flora and fauna of the area will astound a first-time visitor. During the spring, you are spoilt for choice spotting marvellous blooms for free around London, including FREE floral festivals in May.
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