Summer season delights at Exbury

The Herbaceous Border by the Five Arrows Gallery is coming into its own with plenty of colour and variety. Visitors can see some very choice flowering plants including Agapanthus (both the blue and white varieties), Lilies and Heleniums. The large Cardoons are in full flower and looking spectacular. Other plants of interest are Penstemon, Lobelia, Solidago and Hemerocallis (Day Lilies) all  looking very good.

In Home Wood - there are several late flowering Rhododendrons putting on a show. These include several Exbury Hybrids raised by Lionel de Rothschild including Rh ‘Rosemary’s Choice’ and Rh ‘Intrepid’ both very good red flowering large shrubs. Do not miss the 280 year old Cedar Trees in the Glade. A short distance away is the ancient Wiggly Tree (Platanus orientalis). These trees can be discovered on our Summer Holiday Family Trail, with all children who complete the trail receiving a free packet of salad seeds.

The Hydrangea Walk is coming into its own with plenty of colour from a wide variety of different named hydrangeas. At the end of the Hydrangea walk is the  Board Walk which has some strange and interesting plants including Wollemi Pines, Swamp Cypress and Tree Ferns all of which were around when the Dinosaurs roamed the earth.

The Sundial Garden and Tennis Court Tea Garden always has something of interest in flower. Look out for a wide range of Salvia’s which provide a welcome splash of colour along with Dahlia’s, Tigridias and a host of other interesting tender perennials.

Of great horticultural interest this year on  the August Bank Holiday, Exbury is hosting the inaugural Tea Festival which should be a very exciting event.

John Anderson  
Head Gardener