King Charles to open Windsor Castle garden inspired by planet Venus to visitors

Windsor Castle will welcome visitors to its newly transformed Venus Garden this summer, offering a rare glimpse into a space redesigned in line with King Charles III's personal vision.

The garden, situated beneath the royal residence's celebrated east facade, opens to the public from July 16 through September 13.

Following approximately 18 months of careful renovation work, the former East Terrace Garden has been reimagined to reflect His Majesty's well-documented enthusiasm for natural patterns.

The redesigned space represents a significant new chapter for grounds that have served royal purposes for two centuries.

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The garden's striking design draws its inspiration from an astronomical phenomenon – Venus's orbital path, which has been traced over an eight-year cycle, produces a geometric floral pattern known as the Pentagram of Venus or Rose of Venus.

This celestial motif has shaped the arrangement of newly planted perennial beds and pathways bordered by evergreen hedges throughout the Berkshire grounds.

Visitors wandering through the space will encounter an intricate planting scheme featuring mixed perennials, roses, and some 11,000 spring bulbs designed to provide structure and colour across the seasons.

New avenues of pear trees and sculpted yew topiary complement the formal layout.

Adam Scott, gardens and nursery manager at Windsor Castle, said: "This has been a significant project to reshape this historic garden for the future, reflecting His Majesty's vision to create a space that will offer beauty, interest and biodiversity throughout the seasons and for generations to come."

He added: "After around 18 months of careful transformation, we are delighted to open the Venus Garden to visitors this summer, marking the start of an important new chapter in the garden's 200-year history."

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The site boasts a rich royal heritage, having served as Charles II's bowling green before Queen Victoria's husband, Prince Albert, took an interest in its cultivation.

During the Second World War, the young Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret cultivated the area as an allotment.

The late Prince Philip subsequently simplified the layout with formal rose beds and a central fountain, a design that has now evolved under his son's direction.

Wildflower meadows interspersed with trees and winding pathways introduce naturalistic elements within the formal structure, creating habitats for wildlife and insects in keeping with the King's longstanding environmental commitments.

Bronze sculptures by Hubert Le Sueur, originally crafted for Charles I, alongside marble and stone ornaments from the Royal Collection, adorn the terrace.

Entry is included with standard Windsor Castle tickets, while those receiving Universal Credit and other specified benefits may visit with up to five household members through the Royal Collection Trust's £1 ticket scheme.

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