A visit to Osborne House, Isle of Wight. The front Garden 12 August 2014

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The drive to the House, the seaside home of Queen Victoria is bordered by Rhododendrons and specimen trees including a large cork Oak. It then opens up to lawns which were parched brown on 12 August when we visited.

The walled garden is opposite the front of the house, tucked out of sight in the trees. All eight faces of the walls are used, hence an aspect to suit a variety of plants. Most of us, if we have walls in the garden, only have a maximum of 4 faces! Here against this outside wall is a border with Acanthus and other hardy perennials.

A magnolia is the centre piece of this circular border of annuals.

Macleaya cordata and Achillea, almost to the top of another outside wall.

Further along, the flowered spikes of Echium purinana, a tender plant that can be grown in the South. Surprisingly a label in the border marking the spot for Dracunculus vulgaris, a vile smelling Arum. Luckily it had gone summer dormant.

Inside the walled garden, vegetables and flowers were growing in alternate rows, Chard by the path with Cosmos?

A row of Iris “immortality” with a row of Canna “Shenundoah” then a row of Globe Artichoke over 5ft tall.

Cannas seem to be a speciality. On the left is Canna Reine Charlotte 1892, the date of introduction to horticulture or a code? With Prince Charmotte to the right.

More Cannas

An espalier pear on an inner wall with a plum.

On a different wall a fig, no fruit. Looking at the smile on the face of the topiary pigs they have eaten them.

Out of the walled garden, past this impressive angel statue

and the boar by the visitors entry to the house.

After a visit to the house, no photos allowed. I will take you on a walk around the back garden and a stroll down to the sea.

• 21 Aug, 2014
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