Travel Photographer Returns to Exbury

If you follow our blog,  you may well know by now, I am in love with these gardens and will go as many times as I can.  Sadly not as many as I'd like:(

Head Gardener's Notice Board

Your walk is always helped by the Head Gardener's notice board, with all that is a must see, if you have the time.  

I find this very informative.  My personal favourites are always the Sundial Garden, the Herbaceous border and the Hydrangea walk.

The hydrangea walk is still colourful and I actually love the hydrangeas when they begin to change in colour.

On the day I visited, the sun was in and out and at times created the most beautiful light.

You could easily spend a day here and still not see everything.  I love it!

Dahlia heaven 

I love dahlias but have never actually grown them.  That may sound a little strange but I think I'll have to take time out to learn a little about them before I get growing!  I'd be devastated to lose such beautiful blooms.

Consequently, I am always blown away by the dahlias at this time of year at Exbury.

Bees and butterflies gather here

A haven for the bees and butterflies, especially in the Sundial Garden.

I do hope the winds of late haven't done too much damage to these beauties.

Sweet potato soup with croutons and crusty bread

Well one can't visit these gardens without calling in to Mr Eddy's Restaurant ...... this soup looked so inviting I just had to try it.

Yum Yum ... I wasn't disappointed. 

For opening hours and prices visit Exbury Website
Check for dates for the Ghost Train rides and Christmas Train rides.

Thanks for visiting.  Hope to see you again soon.

Travel with Us to a Place Where You Can Embrace Life - It's Not Far ..Where Are We?

Actually this is one of my favourite places to unwind and appreciate nature.

If you live in the New Forest it's right on your doorstep and well worth a visit.

But also it's worth travelling a distance to see these gardens. This time of year, in particular, they are bursting with all the colours of the rainbow and more.

Prepare to be amazed ...

200 acres of the spectacular Rothschild collection of trees, plants and shrubs.

Now who wouldn't want to sit on this bench and spend some valuable quiet time.  And, no matter how busy the gardens are you will still find somewhere to sit quietly.  And that's the beauty of this place.

This glorious yellow plant is situated inside the grounds of the tea rooms beside the Sundial garden.  Incredible plant - just a burst of yellow!

And brush past this plant and you will be blessed with the most amazing scent.

Although I love plants I'm not much of a gardener, so have no idea what this plant is?  Anyone know?

Kids love it

And, of course, this is not only a place for adults.  Children can run off some of their energy in the gardens and the kiddies' playground too.

Remember to take a ride on the steam railway.  If you've been before, you may think you've seen it all.  Nope!  You'll be treated to a slightly different route on the train now opened by Dan Snow a few weeks ago.:)

Note:  At busy times of the year, especially kids holidays, you will need to queue.  

This is the place to embrace life in The New Forest.  Where are we?  Of course it's Exbury Gardens.

And if you time it right you may even get to see the star of the show  The Wisteria in the Sundial Garden

Another note:  For a discount, book online prior to the day you want to visit.

Do you have beautiful gardens?  Would you like to feature here?  

Email Jan to find out how.

Travel Come Rain Come Shine to Exbury Gardens

Soon these beautiful gardens in the New Forest will be closed for the Winter.   Said to be one of the finest woodland gardens in the country and a great way to spend a day. 

Exbury Gardens & Steam Railway, situated in Beaulieu in the New Forest.

   

Over 20 miles of pathways and 200 acres of gardens I had no time to spare on this October afternoon if I was going to even get round half way.  

You could easily while away a day here and come back tomorrow for more!

First and foremost some OCTOBER information for you.

Become a member/Friend of Exbury in October and save a massive 25% on annual membership.

Which means prices for October 2016 are:

• Individual  £38.00 in October
• Joint £76.00 in October
• Family £86.00 in October
• (all above include voluntary gift aid) and prices are correct at time of going to press

OPENING TIMES are from March to beginning of November 10am - 6pm

Whatever time of year you can be sure of a garden to delight all your senses.  And I love to find the odd surprise.  Let's go discover.

This is just a taster .... and

Hello Autumn - color in abundance!

There is a full programme of exhibitions on here.  Currently the Nerine Exhibition first developed by Lionel de Rothchild in 1920's.  This runs until 6th November.

Stunning!

And the a foreboding sky ...

Time for me to run for cover ....

and conveniently .....

Tea and cake!

Run for cover!

Just in time too!  But you see there is always somewhere undercover for these downpours.

I found another place under cover in the Sundial Garden.

 Under the shade of the Wistaria, which, by the way, is absolutely wonderful when in bloom and a must see!  It puts on its very own show.

Even in the rain this little bee was working his hardest!

Now remember you still have time to visit....come rain, come shine

 and you may be able to solve the mystery of the headless gardener .... ouch!

Venue:  Exbury Gardens and Steam Railway

Photographer:  Essential Images Photography

Staying longer than a day?  Why not try The Montagu Arms Hotel a beautiful Country House Hotel in Beaulieu.  Be warned ... you may not be able to drag yourself away.