Lionel Nathan de Rothschild was born in 1882 and although he was a banker his passion was gardening. He especially loved rhododendrons and he supported expeditions of plant collectors to bring back plants to his Exbury estate, which he bought in 1919.

Azaleas love dappled shade so thrive in the shelter of the wonderful mature woodland that covers the gardens. The scent from the flowers is overpowering at times; the walks are alive with bees working the blossoms. The gardens were laid out by clearing woodland, laying paths and building three ponds. It’s these ponds that stick in my mind, surrounded by azaleas and acting like mirrors to these beautiful shrubs.

When you visit Exbury don’t miss the Azalea drive. Here you can enjoy a wonderful display of azaleas set against a background of pine trees and interspersed with acers to add a contrasting colour to the flowers.

Next to the middle pond is the Azalea Bowl, a spectacular clash of red, pink, mauve and white flowers. The sheltered location and acidic soil of the gardens gives ideal growing conditions for the azaleas and they certainly thrive.