Late summer colour in the Gardens

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, Agapanthus, Calceolaria mexicana, Lobelia cardinalis, Dicksonia antarctica (Tree Fern)  and a host of other interesting tender perennials.

The Herbaceous Border by the Five Arrows Gallery is coming into its own with plenty of colour and variety and include 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 -  Do not miss the 280 year old Cedar Trees in the Glade, and - a short distance away -  the ancient  Wiggly Tree (Platanus orientalis). A walk to the bottom of the Winter Garden will reveal spectacular views of the Beaulieu River. There is a short walk along the river, where many wading birds can be spotted.
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.  Look out too for several interesting white flowering trees of Eucryphia’s dotted all around the garden.

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

John Anderson   - Head Gardener