HRH Prince of Wales opens PC Landscapes garden

On Wednesday 10 July, HRH The Prince of Wales officially opened Exbury’s Centenary Garden, designed by Marie Louise Agius and built by award-winning BALI Registered Contractor member PC Landscapes. The garden marks 100 years since Lionel de Rothschild (Marie Louise’s great-grandfather), acquired the now world-renowned Exbury Gardens.

During his visit, HRH was given a tour of the new Centenary Garden and unveiled a commemorative plaque after having met members of the Rothschild Family. HRH was also introduced to a part of the PC Landscapes team, Exbury gardeners and Exbury’s invaluable volunteers.

The garden is contemporary in style, with subtle nods to the family history and focuses on late-flowering summer perennials. To quote Marie-Louise’s words: “…a garden within the gardens that was both different from and yet complemented the existing gardens”.

The build began two years ago in an old tennis court, almost at the centre of Exbury Gardens, and was carefully hidden from public view whilst it grew and matured. Now open to visitors, its scores of beautiful shrubs, climbers and perennials are in full bloom, providing a peaceful and fragrant spot for the public to explore.

Marcus Agius, chairman of the Board of Directors of Exbury Gardens, said:

“We are delighted that His Royal Highness met our gardening team and the volunteers who work so diligently to keep Exbury Gardens looking beautiful throughout the year, as well as the contractors who constructed the new Centenary Garden. This is a garden that has been built to stand the test of time and we are thrilled that visitors can now explore and enjoy it.”

As well as the opening of the new Centenary Garden, centenary celebrations at Exbury have included an award-winning Exbury Gardens display at the recent RHS Chelsea Flower Show with Millais Nurseries, a new history exhibition at Exbury’s visitor entrance, and the planting of over 100,000 bulbs which bloomed in time for the 2019 season opening.