 Exbury’s 200 acre woodland garden in the New Forest is renowned the
world over for its unrivalled collections of spring and early summer
flowering trees and shrubs.
But many visitors to the Rothschild-owned garden miss hidden horticultural treasures at the heart of Exbury, making the gardens a joy to explore right through the summer.
Tucked away next to the Mediterranean-style tennis court tea garden is the exotic and enclosed ‘Sundial garden’. Push open the gate and you are in a world of colour and light, with bright salvias and other sun-loving perennials. At the far end is a cool shaded arbour framed by an ancient wisteria.
Just a stroll away from this beautiful garden is the famous view across the Beaulieu River and a walk along its banks to the shaded Viewpoint with seats and the sight of small boats travelling to and from the Solent.
Not too far away, within sight of Exbury House, the herbaceous border, full of shape and colour throughout the year is an interesting stopping off point on the way to the Five Arrows Gallery which has changing exhibitions of art, sculpture and plants throughout the year.
Then there’s the fantastic new Hydrangea Walk, a pathway lined with the colour of hundreds of blue and white plants, leading to the Jurassic boardwalk, a mysterious swampy area with ancient plants and wildlife including frogs, damselflies and dragonflies, great fun for children.
Walk over the boards across the boggy swamp to the ponds where you might see a kingfisher or swallows swooping low over the water. You’ll certainly see hundreds of ancient and enormous carp moving through the peaceful waters.
Those who take the Exbury Garden Railway are in for a treat as they see a part of the garden that other visitors don’t reach. The steam engine pulls its carriages through the Summer Lane Garden, planted in a naturalistic style with grasses and flowing ribbons of hardy herbaceous plants, trees and shrubs. Woodland animals (and a Lake Moss Monster!) can be spotted by children from the carriages.
“There is so much at Exbury that many visitors miss,” said head gardener John Anderson, who prepares seasonal trails to show the best that the Gardens have to offer at any given time. “There are many hidden secrets here that make Exbury a delight at any time of the year.”
A summer visit to Exbury is made complete by visiting the Exbury Maize Maze, which this year takes on a theme of Ancient Civilisations. The Maze is open daily during the summer holidays, and joint tickets are available with Gardens entry.
For further information Tel: 023 8089 1203 or visit: www.exbury.co.uk
|
