Bluebells and Breakfast heaven at Exbury Gardens

6th April 2011

Just as Exbury is looking at its breathtaking best, early birds have the chance to enjoy a privately guided breakfast walk through the Gardens before the rest of the world has woken up. On Saturday May 14, Head Gardener John Anderson will lead a ninety minute RHS Breakfast Walk through the 200 acre gardens, which are full of early spring colour, not only from the famous Rothschild rhododendron, azalea and camellia collections, but also from carpets of bluebells; rare trees and shrubs, planted over the course of ninety years in the sheltered woodland.

“There are so many hidden treasures in these amazing gardens that I can’t wait to show them off,” said John. “The Gardens are wonderful in the early morning – full of birdsong and soft light which shows everything off to best advantage. Visitors who come at this time will see the best of everything,” he said. John will take time to show visitors the differences between the traditional English bluebell which thrives at Exbury, and the infamous “Spanish intruder”, and answer any questions visitors may have on encouraging bluebells, rhododendrons or azaleas in their own gardens.

The walk, which is limited to 20 people, is followed by a hearty home-cooked three course breakfast in ‘Mr Eddy’s’, Exbury’s restaurant. Breakfast ingredients are New Forest sourced and freshly cooked.

The walk starts at 8.00am and must be pre-booked. Please telephone 023 8024 5750 to arrange. It costs £18.50 per person or £14.80 for season ticket holders. There is free re-admission to the Gardens after breakfast.

Exbury Gardens are open daily until November 6, 2011. For details of all events please visit www.exbury.co.uk  or telephone 023 8089 1203.