On the terraces, there is a striking display of spring bedding, particularly on the extensive Pavilion Terrace. Clematis and camellias are in flower and the pergola is coming to life with fresh new growth.

In the walled garden, the glasshouse display is being set up and will be fully stocked by the end of May. Trained fruit trees are also getting ready to burst into flower, making spring a good time to see how we prune our wall and espalier fruit. Keep a particular eye out for Osborne's orange tree, which bore its first crop of oranges in spring 2018, highlighting the warm climate enjoyed by the Isle of Wight.

As spring turns to summer, English Heritage properties across the country celebrate our historic gardens with a series of special events. Keep an eye on our events page for information about what's on at Osborne this season.

During the summer the walled garden is full of interest, with an acre of flowers for cutting and fruit trained in various historic styles.

Two displays of annuals which vary from year to year reach their peak during the summer months and are worth seeking out. The pleasure grounds remain tranquil and well maintained with the herbaceous borders providing a constant flow of colour throughout the season.

Wild flowers abound in the meadows at Osborne, swaying in the gentlest of breezes and attracting a multitude of butterflies. The grass has deliberately been left to grow long here to help support a wide variety of species. Vistas cut through the woodland give tantalising glimpses of the Solent, usually teeming with boats large and small throughout the summer. A paddle in the sea at Osborne's beach is a great way to cool down after a summer stroll through the gardens and grounds.

Winter at Osborne

Winter on the Isle of Wight comes late and finishes early with the longest number of sunlight hours in Britain, and a generally mild, almost Mediterranean, climate. The garden features a lot of evergreen plants, as was fashionable in the Victorian era, which provide much needed structure at this time of year.

Berries provide most of the colour in the garden in winter. But once they have been stripped by the birds, further interest can be found in the camellias which tend to start flowering in February, followed a little later by the rhododendrons. These are supplemented by hellebores and lots of spring flowering bulbs in the borders, with daffodils being the stars of the show. 

During winter, the upper floors of Osborne and the Swiss Cottage close as we enter our winter opening hours, for crucial conservation and cleaning. Throughout this period, the grounds and gardens remain open. Make sure you check our opening times page when planning your winter visit.