Exbury Gardens

It's getting to that time of year when we start to consider what to do about holidays. A year or two back we visited Exbury Gardens in Hampshire and I have now added a gallery of photos.

Exbury Gardens were created under the inspiration of Lionel Nathan de Rothschild. It was his vision, his dedication and his resources which have created one of the finest woodland gardens in the country. Exbury House is an imposing neo-Palladian house which was designed for Lionel in the 1920s. It was built around an existing structure and faced with Portland stone.


Exbury House

The Top Pond is the largest in a series of three concrete-lined, ornamental ponds created by Lionel de Rothschild and fed by a natural spring. A full display of Exbury deciduous azaleas surrounds the pond with fiery colours; primulas and iris fringe the water’s edge; and giant carp and golden orfe can be seen swimming lazily.

Exbury Garden

An impressive sweep of deciduous azaleas have been interplanted with acers and backed with pines to provide a colourful spectacle in both Spring and Autumn.

Exbury Garden

There are an amazing number of rhododendron and azalea shubs which give a spectacular display. We visited in May which is probably when you get the maximum impact, but there will be colour at most times of the year.

Exbury Garden


There are often special exhibitions showing, and during 2003 there was a display of African sculpture by Just Zimbabwe. A quote from their web site says
"The journey of Zimbabwe Stone Sculpture through National Independence, economic hardship and political transition is profound. All art 'moves' to express the epoch of its time, each piece interprets the artist's personal interaction with life. This ancient medium of stone, is an investment in Zimbabwe's artistic heritage and shaped by the sculptor for our appreciation." Just Zimbabwe Ltd. - Finest Selection Of Zimbabwean Stone Sculptures

Just Zimbabwe

Royal Katiyo was born on the 20th March 1972 in the Murewa district of Zimbabwe.
In 1992 on a visit to Mvurwi he met the Mugavazi brothers who introduced him to sculpting. A few years later Anderson Mukomberanwa helped develop his skills further - here he developed the technique of forming the contrasting finishes that are distinct features of his work.

Quail Family - Springstone - Just Zimbabwe

Anyone wanting to visit the gardens should look at the Exbury Garden web site where you will find a wealth of information.