Garden details
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Bluebell Arboretum & Nursery 
This symbol next to the name of the garden indicates special terms of free entry for RHS Members at specific times of the year, as noted in the RHS Members’ Handbook. Please check with the garden concerned before making a visit.
Address |
Bluebell Arboretum & Nursery |
Telephone |
01530 413700 |
Website |
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Location |
400 yards south of Smisby Church. Follow brown tourist signs to arboretum. |
Opening Times |
9 am–5 pm (4 pm from November to February); Monday–Saturday; all year. 10.30 am–4 pm; Sundays; March to October (closed on Sundays from November to February). Closed on Easter Sunday and from 24 December to 2 January. |
Admission |
Adults £3; Children free. RHS members free (Member 1 only) except NGS days. |
Facilities |
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Features |
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Owner |
Mr & Mrs Robert Vernon |
Comment |
Bluebell Arboretum & Nursery has been a stalwart supporter of RHS shows for some years now and has won many medals for its displays of rare trees and shrubs. The six-acre arboretum has expanded every year since it was first planted in 1992 and is already remarkably mature, but the owners are keen to emphasise that 'you should not expect to find a Westonbirt, Wisley or Wakehurst' yet. Nevertheless, it is a most interesting place to visit, with a fluid design and two ponds. The tallest trees are birches, alders and some tearaway balsam poplars from Sissinghurst which have already reached 15m. Most visitors are intrigued by the many cultivars of dogwoods (Cornus alternifolia 'Argentea' is especially fine), maples (look out for Acer tegmentosum) and beech (Fagus sylvestris). Particular successes include Morus alba 'Pendula', Juglans nigra 'Laciniata' and Magnolia 'Vulcan'. Other highlights are fine specimens of Quercus castaneifolia 'Green Spire' and the very rare Quercus rhysophylla from Mexico, and the largest collection of deciduous hollies Ilex verticillata in Europe. The website allows on-line ordering: the nursery sells many more plants than those listed in its excellent catalogue. |
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