Native British Plants

Exbury Gardens is unique within the New Forest, having a number of  natural and man-made habitats which allow a wide range of native plants to flourish. From native oak (Quercus robur) and Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) woodlands to open grass meadows, gently sloping to the Beaulieu river. These habitats are managed to allow Green-wing orchids (Orchis morio) and the Common spotted orchid (Dactylorhiza fuchsia) to flower. Primroses (Primula vulgaris) are easily recognised growing in great numbers throughout the gardens in grassland areas, from late March through April. The dapple shade of the woods is a perfect habitat for the common bluebell (Hyacinthoides non-scipta), with a wonderful carpet of blue covering the woodland floor from late April – early May.