Spring arrives in spectacular fashion at Exbury Gardens

Spring has arrived in spectacular fashion at a Hampshire garden.

Exbury Gardens, one of the UK’s leading woodland gardens, is experiencing a standout season thanks to a wet winter followed by a mild, frost-free spring.

Rhododendrons are blooming in abundance, with especially vibrant displays from the large-headed Rhododendron loderi and the mauve-blue Rhododendron augustinii.

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The Azalea Bowl at Exbury Gardens (Image: Cathy Baldock)

Tom Clarke, head gardener at Exbury, said: “It’s one of the best in years for rhododendrons, the intensity of colour and sheer number of flowers is wonderful.

“And lots of different plants seem to be flowering all at once which is providing a real spring spectacle.”

Bluebells are also thriving, adding a colourful backdrop to the garden’s renowned rare plant collections.

Next to bloom will be the historic wisteria in the Sundial Garden.

Wisteria floribunda macrobotrys, a visitor favourite, is now 100 years old and spreads elegantly across a Portland stone pergola.