King Charles unveils new ‘Venus’ garden at Windsor Castle

His Majesty King Charles III is opening a brand-new garden in the grounds of Windsor Castle and it is inspired by the planet Venus. The project has taken a painstaking 18 months to complete and this summer, the first visitors will be able to admire it in person. 

Located in the former East Terrace Garden, the new design has been inspired by the petal-shaped orbit of Venus. It features perennial beds and evergreen hedge-lined pathways. 

The area has been used as a bowling green and even an allotment during the war, and now it is a biodiverse sanctuary for wildlife, championing King Charles’ eco-conscious mindset. 

Lucky visitors to the grounds from 16 July to 13 September will be able to explore the space which has only intermittently been open to members of the public over the years. 

© supplied by Royal Collection

Adam Scott, gardens and nursery manager at Windsor Castle, told PA Media: “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.

“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.”

© supplied by Royal Collection

Other Windsor Castle changes

It is not just the garden that has been given a futureproofing overhaul, as there have been a number of changes made at the castle to boost its eco efforts. Solar panels have been installed on the roof for the first time as part of a drive to reach net zero in future. Thousands of new saplings have been planted across the estate, encouraging more wildlife to the area. Plus, His Majesty has had electric car charging ports added to the historic building.

Sandringham garden transformation

In recent years, His Majesty has made a similar transformation at his Sandringham Estate in Norfolk. The Topiary Garden was added in 2023 to provide a place of peace and contemplation for visitors, but also act as a wildlife hub.

 “Reflecting the same principles of universal symbolism as the Cosmati Pavement in Westminster Abbey, the Topiary Garden is designed to increase biodiversity, featuring new species of plants and flowers that are also better able to withstand the impact of emerging weather patterns,” the estate website states. 

Charles has long had a love for nature and for gardening, and it is a passion he undertakes with meticulous attention. Before working with the King for an RHS garden, gardener Fances Tophill was warned about his particular nature. “Everyone keeps saying that he’s so detail-focused that he’ll notice all the tiny things,” she explained to the Telegraph.