Windsor Castle Venus Garden | History of East Terrace Garden & The King's Vision for Sustainability

This film explores the creation of the Venus Garden at Windsor Castle, a major new redesign of the historic East Terrace gardens inspired by geometry, astronomy and the natural world. Developed with the close involvement of His Majesty The King, the project reflects a philosophy of harmony between nature, design and human experience, while continuing a centuries‑long tradition of royal gardening at Windsor. The garden takes its name from the planet Venus and the remarkable pattern created by its movement in relation to Earth. For centuries, astronomers observed that Venus appears to trace a series of interconnected petal‑like forms across the sky, creating a striking geometric pattern enclosed within a circle. This design, echoed throughout nature and found in the architecture and symbolism of many cultures, forms the basis of the new garden’s layout, with its paths and perennial planting schemes reflecting this celestial geometry. At the heart of the project is The King’s philosophy of harmony, which emphasises the connections between people, nature and the wider environment. The garden has been designed to embody these principles while creating a beautiful landscape that visitors can experience for themselves. The site has a rich and varied history stretching back to the Middle Ages, when the area beyond the east front of Windsor Castle was occupied by a defensive ditch overlooking the royal hunting park. In the 1670s, Charles II transformed the landscape by creating an elevated terrace and a series of bowling greens, reflecting his enthusiasm for lawn bowls and outdoor recreation. The first ornamental garden on the site was established by George IV in the 1820s as part of his dramatic transformation of Windsor Castle. Designed to provide a private retreat and a focal point for views from the newly created Semi‑State Apartments, the garden was likely planned by W. T. Aiton, Director of the Royal Gardens and later Director of Kew Gardens. It featured an orangery housing orange trees presented as a diplomatic gift by King Charles X of France. Much of George IV’s planting was lost during the severe winter of 1837, prompting a new phase of development under Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. Prince Albert took a keen personal interest in the garden and even participated in planting schemes himself. During this period, the garden became increasingly accessible to the public, continuing a tradition begun under William IV and expanded by Queen Victoria through regular weekend openings. The garden also reflects broader moments in British history. During the Second World War, much of the ornamental planting was replaced with vegetable plots as part of the national Dig for Victory campaign. Two sections were even allocated to the young Princess Elizabeth and Princess Margaret, who grew vegetables in support of the wartime effort. Another redesign followed in 1971, when Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, created a traditional English rose garden centred around a fountain and formal flowerbeds. This layout remained a familiar feature of the East Terrace for decades. Today, the Venus Garden represents the latest chapter in this evolving landscape. Designed with a focus on sustainability, biodiversity and ecological resilience, it reflects The King’s longstanding commitment to environmental stewardship. His direct involvement in planting decisions has helped shape a garden intended not only as a beautiful setting but as a lasting legacy for future generations. Open to visitors for the first time, the Venus Garden offers a unique opportunity to explore a space where history, science, design and nature come together. It stands as a modern addition to Windsor Castle’s historic landscape, while continuing a tradition of royal gardening that spans more than three centuries.