Isabella Plantation
Richmond Park - a slideshow

homeSlideshow

Isabella Plantation 1 Isabella Plantation 2 Isabella Plantation 3 Isabella Plantation 4 Isabella Plantation 5 Isabella Plantation 6 Isabella Plantation 7 Isabella Plantation 8 Isabella Plantation 9 Isabella Plantation 10 little duck little duck Isabella Plantation 11 Isabella Plantation 12 Isabella Plantation 13 Isabella Plantation 14 Isabella Plantation 15

The Isabella Plantation is in Richmond Park, two miles across the river from Hampton Wick. Throughout the month of May, we are able to enjoy a superb show of Azalea and Rhododendron blossom. I took these pictures in the middle of May 2006.

Lovely photos from Ken Buckle
Royal Parks press release
Garden Advice UK
London Town
Flower pictures from khaosproductions

May 2008 - this is the best month to visit the Isabella Plantation, which we find at the south end of Richmond Park. The main entrance is at the north end of the plantation, and is easily accessible by bicycle from the Ham Gate. Those travelling by car will need to park at Broomfield Hill at the south end and walk across. The azaleas are mainly congregated around the streams that run down from Thomson's Pond and the Still Pond to Peg's Pond, which is near the main entrance. The man-made Thomson's Pond is in open ground, whilst the Still Pond, which may have been a natural dew pond, is surrounded by a bank of colourful azaleas. The azaleas were already well in bloom by the 2nd of May. There are public toilets just above, that is, south, of the still pond.

May 2009 - I arrived on the 13th of the month. Some white azaleas were already in decline. However, the bank at the rear of the still pond was well in bloom, as were the clumps to the rear, or south, of Thomson's pond. The Isabella is located on a hill and you walk uphill from the main entrance, towards the ponds and south entrance. The paths are normally good, at least one being maintained in suitable condition for wheelchairs. Disabled parking is permitted close to the main, or north entrance, and can be accessed from the direction of the Ham Gate.