The Friends’ website is being updated.  Please bear with us while the changes are in progress.

How time flies, it has been three years since our web site had a major upgrade and moved to a new content management system.  How things have changed in those three years with over half the web access being done on tablets and smartphones rather than traditional PC’s.  We have to move with the times so another move, this time to a system based on the popular WordPress software, has been undertaken by our friends at WightMedia.

I hope that you like the new site which has a clean new layout but still retains most of the content from the old site, or it will when I have finished uploading it.  Nothings perfect and I am always pleased to receive your comments and suggestions.  Contact Us  Subject – Website

On Saturday 19 November Chris Lines will be running a felt making workshop at Ventnor Botanic Garden based on leaf shapes in the Gardens.

February 14 Storms Damage Wind Break

Storms on the 7th and 14th of February caused significant damage to the wind break on the west side of the Garden. Many of the Macrocarpa trees that formed the multilayer wind break were uprooted and a major clearance operation is now under way before the areas can be replanted. The effects of the loss of the windbreak can be seen right through the garden with many plant showing signs of salt burn on their west face.

The Mediterranean Piazza

What a difference a season makes!

After the controversy earlier this year when the area around the pond was remodelled the summer has transformed the area into a true piazza. The under-planting of echiums are filling the area below the figs and vines which have themselves burst into life with an abundance of foliage. The area has proved so popular with visitors throughout the summer that more tables have had to be provided but these can now be spread out over the large hard standing providing individual space for eating, drinking and relaxing in the sun.