A further bonus for Lionel when purchasing Exbury was that it had been owned by a branch of the Mitford family since the early eighteenth century. They had planted several exotic tree species, including a Cypress grown from a seed fallen from the Duke of Wellington’s funeral cortage! They had also planted several Cedars in Glades which gave the Garden structure right from the start. These giant veterans survive today and are used each night by the roosting peacocks!

Lionel de Rothschild was a fanatical collector, along side his breeding work with Rhododendrons he also collected rare trees and shrubs. The breadth of his knowledge is reflected in the collection we can admire today. Specimens were selected to compliment the Rhododendrons and given the space to mature. The renown expert and Curator of Kew Gardens, William Jackson Bean and author of ‘Bean’s Manual of Trees and Shrubs’ was a regular guest and advisor.

Lionel de Rothschilds’ eager planting of as many different kinds of tree as he could acquire has left the Garden with a rich collection of specimens from all around the world. Notable collections include; North American Conifers, Japanese Acers, American hardwoods Magnolias and Oaks. Currently, we are adding to these collections as new species and varieties become available – an activity Lionel de Rothschild would surely appreciate.

The tree collection can now be enjoyed using a Tree Trail Guide. This has been written by Head Gardener, John Anderson. At a gentle pace it takes approx. one and a half hours and gives historic and botanic information on twenty of Exbury's finest trees. The Tree Trail is available at the Gate and costs just 50p.