Exbury's colourful Easter

Early colour from magnolias and camellias brings Exbury Gardens dramatically to life as Easter arrives early.
And there are Easter treats for families with special train trips when younger children can spot Easter bunnies in the woods from their railway carriages, and collect a small present. Elsewhere in the Gardens all youngsters can join in an exciting parrot hunt with a chocolate egg for all children who complete the trail. There's also a colouring competition in Mr Eddy's Restaurant.

In addition to the Easter events, families can follow a specially devised free spring trail which shows the best the Gardens have to offer. Early rhododendrons are coming into flower, while the Rock Garden promises a blaze of colour, says head gardener John Anderson who, with his gardening team, has been working to ensure a fantastic year at the award-winning 200-acre woodland gardens in the New Forest.
"Everything is blooming earlier but as we have so much at Exbury, it just means the flowering is better and lasts longer," he said.

"Easter and the Easter holidays should be fantastic. This is the time of year when Exbury traditionally looks wonderful," he said. "And with the activities for children and families, there should be a lot of pleasure for everyone."

Later in the Easter holidays (Mon 7 to Friday 11 April) there's more fun as dauntless plant explorer George Forrest, who braved many dangers in his quest to bring back new plants, is brought back to life by a storyteller. Tales of uprisings, death and glory are told in vivid detail as Forrest's life in the wilds of Yunnan, China and his quest to collect new plants for Exbury are recreated.

Children are given free "provisions" to help them survive the rigours of their Explorer Walk, and some seeds to take home and plant.

For details please visit www.exbury.co.uk or telephone 023 8089 1203.

Exbury Gardens are open daily until November 9.