King Charles III has overseen the transformation of Windsor Castle’s historic East Terrace Garden into the Venus Garden, a space inspired by the planet Venus’s orbital pattern. The redesign opens to the public from July 16 to September 13, included with standard castle admission, offering a rare view of the east façade.

Venus‑inspired Pentagram layout unveiled July 16

The new garden follows the “Pentagram of Venus,” a geometric floral pattern traced by the planet’s eight‑year orbit. according to the source, the motif guides the arrangement of perennial beds, evergreen hedges, and winding pathways, creating both aerial symmetry and intimate ground‑level vistas.

Adam Scott, Windsor Castle’s gardens and nursery manager, said the project “reflects His Majesty’s vision to create a space that will offer beauty, interest and biodiversity throughout the seasons.” The design aims for continuous visual interest, moving from early‑spring bulbs to summer perennials, autumn foliage, and winter evergreen structure.

200‑year garden history from George IV to Prince Philip

First laid out in the 1820s under George IV, the East Terrace Garden has served many royal purposes: a bowling green for Charles II, a planting interest for Prince Albert, and an allotment for Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret during World War II. The source notes that Prince Philip later simplified the layout into formal rose beds and added a central fountain, a feature now restored and integrated into the Venus design.

This layered heritage makes the garden’s public opening a “new chapter in its 200‑year history,” according to the report, blending historic elements with contemporary ecological goals.

11,000 spring bulbs and drought‑tolerant perennials boost biodiversity

The planting scheme includes roughly 11,000 spring bulbs, mixed perennials, roses, and native, drought‑resistant species intended to lower water use. wildflower meadows dotted with trees provide habitats for pollinators, while hedged pathways shelter birds, reflecting King Charles’s long‑standing commitment to sustainability.

Consultation with horticulturists and historians ensured that the garden balances heritage preservation with modern environmental practices, such as composting and reduced irrigation, as highlighted in the source.

Royal Collection Trust’s £1 ticket scheme expands access

Tickets to the Venus Garden are bundled with a standard Windsor Castle admission at no extra cost. The Royal Collection Trust also continues its £1 ticket scheme for visitors on Universal Credit or certain benefits, allowing up to five household members to experience the gardens regardless of economic background.

This inclusive pricing underscores the Trust’s effort to make royal heritage sites more accessible, a point emphasized in the source material.

Who designed the geometric planting scheme?

The source does not name the landscape architect or design team responsible for translating the Venus pentagram into planting beds, leaving a gap in the public record. Additionally, it is unclear how the garden’s new water‑saving measures will be monitored over time, and whether the biodiversity benefits will be quantified in future reports.