Flowering now magnificently

From Home Wood below Exbury House, and in the direction of Top Pond, the evergreen azaleas and rhododendrons are flowering magnificently. The Azalea Bowl, created by post second world war Head Gardener Freddie Wyniatt, will be in full flower over the Spring Bank Holiday weekend. This year has been terrific for the fragrant ‘Loderi’ rhododendrons – one favourite is Loderi King George, with a wonderful example at the head of The Glade.

Close to the Azalea Bowl the Davidia involucrata (Pocket Handkerchief Tree) is coming into flower. This was a fabled tree for the early plant hunters, and is a wonderful sight with its white bracts fluttering in the breeze. Our most recent Davidia planting can be seen by the Tennis Court Tea Garden – a young specimen yet to flower, planted last May by HM The Queen.

By the side of the Cascades below Top Pond are some excellent wild flowers – Primroses (Primula vulgaris), Bluebells (Hyacinthoides non scipta) and the Lungwort (Pulmonaria angustifolia). Bluebells will be at their best over the Bank Holiday, providing a carpet of blue at the entrance to The Glade and many parts of the Garden, including the gentle slopes above Azalea Drive in the Yard Wood.

The Rock Garden continues to look good, helped by mild April temperatures. Many rhododendrons are in flower including Rhododendron ‘Dora Amateis’, Rhododendron ‘Johnsons Impeditum’ and several excellent Pieris.

The Rhododendron ‘Naomi’ by Gilbury Bridge have had a very good year, and will flower into May.

The Herbaceous and Grasses Garden by the Five Arrows Gallery is coming into its own with Tulips and Euphorbia’s looking very good. When in this area, do take time to visit the Gallery and view Lionel de Rothschild’s Edwardian autochromes. Before purchasing Exbury Lionel was a passionate photographer. His use of colour and landscapes in the exhibition images give early indication of his intentions to transform Exbury from wooded parkland to a world famous rhododendron and azalea garden, renowned for its spring colour.

Enjoy the Gardens this May, and I hope to meet many of you on my New Forest Breakfast Walks on Sat 16 & Sun 17 May.

JOHN ANDERSON
HEAD GARDENER