Christmas at Exbury

What extraordinary weather we are having at Exbury. Over 8 inches of rain in November, but yet it has been very mild which has brought out some very interesting flowering plants.

Whilst the gardens are currently closed there is the opportunity to visit the Gardens on our opening dates for the Santa Steam Specials, and there will be  lots to see. Don’t miss the flowering Mahonia’s by the Tennis Court Tea Gardens with their wonderful scent. Look out for the “Yellow Fruited” Holly trees in Home Wood by the side of the path from Daffodil Meadow to Top Pond.

By the side of the Main House at the top end of Home Wood are some very scented  Sarcococca ruscifolia “Christmas Box” with richly scented flowers and red fruits. Close by are some red fruiting Skimmia japonica’s, though the birds are quickly eating all the fruits. By the glade to the large cedars are some very good Rhododendron ‘Christmas Cheer’ in full flower.

Yard Wood has some very fine Photinia davidiana with matt red fruits.

In the Winter Garden there are several Camellia sasanqua flowering.

On a good day the views from the Arromanches View Point is spectacular, especially when there is a good sun set.

The Christmas Trail is worth doing as it highlights some of the interesting plants used for the festive season. This can be downloaded from the Santa Specials website page.

From all the staff  at Exbury a very merry Christmas  and a great gardening year in 2010. 

John Anderson
Head Gardener.