Exbury in autumn

[Catherine]

Mr Nick's grandfather, Lionel, bought Exbury from the Mitford family in 1919. He employed 250 gardeners over several years to transform Exbury estate into a place to plant new trees and wonderful Rhododendrons which are now associated with the Exbury name and famous worldwide. To do this he needed to import tons of acidic soil as those shrubs would not have grown in the clay of the estate.

During WW2 the estate was taken over by the Navy, who called it (together with Beaulieu estate over the river) HMS Mastodon. There plans were made to create and ship the Mulberry Harbour across to France for D-Day, and people were trained to spy on events across the Channel, and support the French resistance.

Lionel de Rothschild’s son, Edward, inherited the estate on his father’s death, and ran it until he died just under two years ago. It was opened to the public in 1955, not long after the de Rothschilds were given it back by the Navy. Each owner has made his mark on Exbury, ‘Mr Nick’ being no exception!

Here are pics of Exbury House, the Beaulieu River which borders the eastern edge of the estate, and a couple of autumn blooms – a Dahlia and a late-flowering Azalea. Also here are pics of ‘Mr Nick’ and his amazing Nerines, colourful flowers which have a hard job competing with the man himself!

[rolf]

Some lovely shots there Catherine and what a beautiful house. Mr Nick certainly looks like a jolly chap.

[Catherine]

Thanks, Rolf!

Yes, Mr Nick is a bit like a certain person who used to appear on Autumnwatch, but he has an engaging yet shy enthusiasm for his bulbs!

The autumn tints at Exbury have never disappointed.

There are many quite rare trees in the estate, and several more common yet unusual to me - some with amazing seed pods and berries.

[Catherine]

It is lovely to see the ferns turn golden amongst the sweet-smelling leaf mould.

Amongst those trees are many planted by members of the Royal family. This one was planted by Princess Diana. It is sad how the delicate, yellow leaves seem to echo her fragile, yet flawed, personality.

[Catherine]

But autumn is also a time for the Exbury Ghost Train - where the good-natured staff tell the corniest jokes throughout the journey, and all aboard have lots of fun!

If you've never visited Exbury in autumn, you should - you really should!

[rolf]

Can't beat Britain in Autumn, wonderful colours, certainly looks like a fun place to visit Catherine.

[darlam]

i have seen the pace one time when we visited my aunt and she told me that i should come check the place out, it is really a great place and it is a must see especially for nature livers like me, i do hope that they will be able to maintain the beauty in the place so that people who visit can still enjoy its natural beauty