Herald - Issue 391

v THE HERALD - ENCOURAGING LOCAL ENTERPRISE v 25th June 2020 • The HERALD • Page 17 • Kitchens • Bathrooms • Doors • Flooring NO JOB TOO SMALL 023 8178 9869 • 07967 807948 • info@bencurtis.co.uk Professional Local Qualified Carpenter Est: 2003 H P roperty M aintenance H K itchen /B athroom /B edroom F itting H B uilt - in W ardrobes /C upboards H D oor H anging H D ecking H L aminate F looring H B each H ut R epairs H W all & F loor T iling 3 Morris Close, Hythe SO45 5UX Fully Insured Call for a Free Estimate Today The next Herald is out on 16th July Exbury Woodland Garden Reopens with Special Measures in Place One of the south’s most famous gardens, Exbury Gardens in the New Forest, has reopened its gates. With 200 acres of stunning woodland landscape to explore and even some of its world-renowned rhododendrons still in bloom, Exbury has welcomed visitors back just as its summer flower-power season kicks off. Exbury’s head gardener Thomas Clarke tending the flag irises Special measures are in place to keep visitors safe including online ticket booking only, a daily visitor limit of 500 people, and time slots for entering the gardens, so arrivals can be staggered. Visitors will be treated to a riot of plant colour in the herbaceous borders near Exbury House, the recently- opened Centenary Garden gearing up for its summer oral show, a revamped Iris Garden, a new Birch Walk, swathes of beautiful landscaped woodland, over 20 miles of meandering pathways, and even some of Exbury’s famous rhododendrons putting on their last blossom of the season. Lionel de Rothschild, chairman of Exbury Gardens Trust, said: “We have 200 acres of space at Exbury filled with the most beautiful plants and trees that look absolutely spectacular at the start of the summer, and we’re so looking forward to sharing it with our visitors again. There’s lots of room to roam and experience nature at its best, and we’re putting special protective measures in place to keep everyone safe. To visit Exbury, visitors can book advance tickets online and choose an arrival time for their entry to the gardens. Toilets will be open and sanitised regularly, and refreshments and sandwiches will be available to purchase from Wednesday-Sunday. Steam railway trains and guided buggy tours will not be operating. Full details on how to book and tips on visiting can be found at www.exbury . co.uk Created by Lionel de Rothschild in 1919, a passionate collector of plants and a keen supporter and sponsor of the early 20th century plant hunters, Exbury has grown to become a stunning garden paradise lled with rare plants, shrubs and trees. Its Centenary Garden, designed by Lionel’s great grand-daughter and RHS gold medal award-winning designer, Marie-Louise Agius, opened to the public last year. Over the last couple of months Exbury have had fun sharing Exbury virtually over their social media channels but they can’t wait for the public to return back through the gates so they can experience the gardens first-hand and in all their glory. Images and video of the gardens during lockdown are on Exbury’s Twitter, facebook and Instagram feeds. Whilst many businesses across the New Forest remain closed, it is important that ongoing support is provided as the lockdown restrictions are eased. New Forest District Council are currently working on a Coronavirus Business Recovery Plan. However, to develop this e ectively they need to understand where the greatest challenges lay. ey are therefore asking all local businesses to complete a 5-minute online survey which identifies the issues experienced over recent weeks but importantly highlights support required in the coming months. Please take time to complete this survey and share with other businesses in the New Forest. e more responses received, the more e ective and in line with local needs the support programmes will be. Complete the survey: www. surveymonkey.co.uk/r/J9FG29D Your Views Needed for Covid-19 Recovery Plan