Ventnor Botanic Garden facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Ventnor Botanic Garden |
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The Australian section within The Gardens, February 2007.
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| Type | Botanic |
| Location | Ventnor, Isle of Wight |
| Owned by | Freehold owned by Isle of Wight Council, leased to Ventnor Botanic Garden CIC |
| Operated by | Ventnor Botanic Garden CIC |
| Website | botanic.co.uk |
Ventnor Botanic Garden is a special place on the Isle of Wight where you can find plants from all over the world. It's located in a town called Ventnor. This amazing garden was started in 1970 by a man named Sir Harold Hillier. He later gave it to the local government, the Isle of Wight Council.
What makes this garden so unique? It has a very special climate, almost like the sunny Mediterranean. This means many plants that usually can't grow outside in other parts of Britain can thrive here. These plants come from both temperate (mild climate) and subtropical (warm climate) regions. They grow happily outdoors thanks to a warm, damp, and sheltered area called the Undercliff. Even if it gets frosty, it doesn't last long or get too cold.
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What is the History of Ventnor Botanic Garden?
From Hospital to Garden: A New Beginning
The land where the garden now stands was once home to a hospital. This hospital, called the Royal National Hospital for Diseases of the Chest, opened in 1869. It was built there because the mild climate was thought to be good for people with chest illnesses like tuberculosis. The hospital had 130 rooms, all facing south to catch the sun.
However, new medicines for tuberculosis meant the hospital was no longer needed. It closed in 1964 and was taken down in 1969.
How the Garden Grew
In 1970, the area first became the Steephill Pleasure Gardens. Then, Sir Harold Hillier helped turn it into the amazing botanical garden we see today. Even with the good climate, the garden faced challenges. The soil is shallow and alkaline, and strong winds can carry salt from the sea.
The garden also had to survive some tough weather. It was badly damaged in the very cold winter of 1986–87, during the Great Storm of 1987, and another big storm in January 1990. Despite these challenges, the garden continued to grow and develop.
The Tropical Greenhouse
In 1986, a large greenhouse was built. It opened in 1987 and became home to many tropical plants. Inside, there's a pool with warm water where you can see giant water lilies in the summer. You might also spot beautiful Egyptian Blue Lotus flowers growing nearby.
Who Manages the Garden Now?
For many years, the Isle of Wight Council looked after the garden. But in 2012, a new group called Ventnor Botanic Garden CIC took over its management. At that time, instead of paying for parking, visitors started paying an entry fee to help support the garden.
How Can You Visit Ventnor Botanic Garden?
The garden is easy to find, located right next to the A3055 road. If you're using public transport, buses on Southern Vectis' Route 6 stop nearby on Park Avenue. You can also enjoy a lovely walk to the garden from the nearby town of Ventnor.
Images for kids
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In Spanish: Jardín botánico de Ventnor para niños
