Glory of the garden as Exbury opens

Spring is bursting out all over at Exbury as the world-famous Gardens in the New Forest open for the season on March 8.
The magnificent Magnolia campbellii, in full bloom since February, is at its peak, while thousands of camellias, early rhododendrons, flowering cherries, swathes of daffodils and many other plants, shrubs and trees are coming into leaf and flower.

"One of the glories of Exbury in early spring is our collection of wonderful magnolias," said John Anderson, head gardener and tree expert. "Last year we heard some magnolias are threatened in southern China, their native habitat. But they're flourishing here and seem to be flowering more and more freely as the seasons warm up. Some of the species and cultivars flower two or three times a year. A magnolia in full blossom is one of the most beautiful sights of spring," said John.

As well as the outdoor spectacle, visitors to Exbury in March will be able to enjoy a display of rare South African Lachenalias in the Five Arrows gallery. These rare and tender perennials, also known as 'cape cowslips' or 'leopard lilies' Lachenalias (also known as the Cape Cowslip or the Leopard Lily) are winter flowering bulbs, which originate from the winter rainfall region of southern Africa. The exhibition showcases many of the finest varieties, against a backdrop of superb photography highlighting the fine details of these rare bulbs.

Exbury is open daily (10.00am-5.30pm) from March 8 until Sunday November 9. Please telephone 023 8089 1203 or visit www.exbury.co.uk for more information.