Osborne House

16/06/2026

Since the 1930s the UK has lost an astonishing 97% of its wildflower meadows. 🌼

Across many English Heritage sites, we’re working to restore and enhance wildflower-rich grasslands—supporting biodiversity, improving our environment, and bringing landscapes closer to how they would have been experienced by their historic residents.

Osborne is no exception, with acres of thriving wildflower meadows in bloom.

Stealing the show at the moment is the oxeye daisy—an elegant wildflower and a vital food source for bees, butterflies, and beetles. 🐝🦋

Learn more about English Heritages meadows here: https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/learn/conservation/gardens-and-landscapes/meadow-conservation/

14/06/2026

The Rosa ‘Dame Judi Dench’ on the terraces is out in flower. These roses were chosen for their connection to Osborne, as Dame Judi Dench portrayed Queen Victoria twice in films shot here.

Back in winter, the Terrace Senior Gardener led our trainees in pruning these roses using a ‘niffing’ technique, shaping them into interwoven domes. This creates strong, architectural forms for year-round winter interest while maximising blooms throughout the summer.

12/06/2026

08/06/2026

Phlomis italica is native to the Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean. Its soft, silvery-green leaves are covered in fine hairs, giving them a velvety texture but they’re not just for show.

They help the plant stay cool in extreme heat, retain warmth in winter, reduce water loss, and reflect intense sunlight to prevent scorching.

It’s been cultivated in the UK since the 17th–18th centuries, and you can spot ours flanking the southern entrance to the walled garden. Come take a look on your next visit 🌿

07/06/2026

The bedding installation is finally complete. All the beds are now planted, and we can’t wait to see everything grow and fill out over the summer. 🌸

This week, we started on the Upper Fountain Terrace, planting Heliotropes, Spider Plants, and Pelargoniums. With the final delivery from Forest View Nursery with all our Begonias we were able to complete the remaining beds on the top terrace before moving downstairs to finish the Palm Terrace.

The camellia beds were planted with Cannas, Salvias, and Begonias, with Cleomes dotted through the palm beds for extra interest. Then once all the vases were filled, the terraces were complete. We then wrapped up by planting the magnolia beds outside the walled garden.

And with that, this year’s display is fully complete 🌿

06/06/2026

❗️SITE CLOSED THIS AFTERNOON ❗️

Please note due to the increase in wind speed, we have had to close site this afternoon.

If you have pre-booked tickets that are unredeemed, they will be automatically refunded in 7 working days.

Apologies for the inconvenience and we hope to welcome you back soon.

06/06/2026

Saturday 6th June- No beach access❗️⚠️

Unfortunately, due to high winds we have had to close all access to the beach.

Apologies for any inconvenience.

We will be monitoring the wind speeds throughout the day.

We hope you enjoy the rest of your visit 😊

05/06/2026

People often ask about the bright yellow flowers by the entrance to the main house, It’s Euryops pectinatus 🌼

This evergreen shrub comes from South Africa and flowers almost non stop, from early summer right through into winter.

Originally introduced to the UK as a glasshouse plant, it has since proven it can thrive outdoors, especially in mild coastal areas like the Isle of Wight.

Next time you visit, take a look, you will probably spot it in bloom 🌿

04/06/2026

It’s Volunteers’ Week, the perfect time to celebrate the incredible people who give their time to support Osborne. Today, we’re proud to recognise two outstanding volunteers who are marking an amazing 25 years of service 👏

Bob Hurst was one of the very first 25 volunteers to join us back in March 2001. Starting as a garden volunteer, he also spent time as a garden guide, but for most of his years here he has been a dedicated woodland volunteer. From producing pea sticks, bean poles and plant supports to helping manage the woodland by removing unwanted tree species, Bob has played a vital role behind the scenes.

Don Preston began volunteering in August 2001 after a visit with his local gardening group and a conversation with the Head Gardener. He has been part of the Walled Garden ever since. Over the years, he’s taken on everything from pruning fruit trees and dividing herbaceous plants to preparing displays for the glasshouse. And like any garden, much of his time is spent weeding and keeping everything looking its best.

Both Bob and Don share the same reasons for their long-standing commitment: learning from the garden team, working in beautiful, historic surroundings, getting outdoors, meeting people and making lasting friendships.

👏 Thank you, Bob and Don, for 25 years of dedication, hard work and passion. You are truly valued members of our team.

Pictured: Photo 1 – Bob (left) with Senior Gardener Ade (right); Photo 2 – Don

02/06/2026

The Rosa ‘Cardinal de Richelieu’ is currently in beautiful flower on the terraces 💜

A renowned Gallica shrub rose, this historic variety was first introduced in the 1840s by Belgian breeder Louis-Joseph-Ghislain Parmentier. Its rich, velvety purple blooms make it a wonderful example of an old garden rose, valued for both its colour and fragrance.

If you’re visiting the terraces, be sure to look out for this striking variety at its peak ✨