CTA member Exbury Gardens is highlighting new woodland wonders, family nature trails and dazzling spring colour in 2021. A new River Walk will allow visitors to explore previously-hidden woodland within the 200-acre New Forest garden, with glimpses of the Beaulieu River estuary. Interpretation boards will explain how to spot some of the iconic native trees.
Stretching nearly half a mile past mature oaks, field maples, yews and hazels, the trail will meander from Daffodil Meadow, which is planted with thousands of the yellow spring favourites, to the flower-filled Azalea Bowl.
Garden fans can also get their spring floral fix from the River of Gold, a 100,000-bulb colour burst that weaves around rare trees near Exbury House, and from acres of world-renowned Exbury camellias, rhododendrons and azaleas. [Lockdowns permitting of course.]
Also new for the 2021 season will be the opportunity to picnic under blossoming Japanese cherry trees; 48 have been planted in a picnic spot at Exbury thanks to the UK-Japan Sakura Cherry Tree Project. There is also a chance to spot wildlife action at a new Dragonfly Pond learning zone. Designed with the help of leading dragonfly experts, this area will boast information boards filled with dragonfly facts and take-away tips on how to encourage these wonderful creatures into your own back garden. An existing, large ornamental pond in the gardens has been adapted for the insects with dragonfly-friendly, native aquatic and marginal plants. It is also possible to alight from Exbury’s Rhododendron Line steam railway at a new Dragonfly Halt platform to explore the pond area.
Tom Clarke, head gardener at Exbury Gardens, says: “In 2021 we are looking forward to celebrating the beautiful, unique, natural setting of Exbury by extending access into more woodland that visitors won’t have seen before and opening up nature areas such as our new Dragonfly Pond.
“We are also investing in the garden’s legacy for future generations by planting lots of new trees to enhance biodiversity and regenerate the treeline, and adding even more rare plants and shrubs to the Rock Garden.”
Created by Lionel de Rothschild in 1919, a passionate collector of plants and a keen supporter and sponsor of the early 20th century plant hunters, Exbury Gardens has grown to become a garden paradise filled with rare plants, shrubs and trees. It boasts over 20 miles of pathways and trails.
