The Prince of Wales has released beautiful new photos from the gardens at his private Highgrove residence to celebrate 25 years since he opened the royal gardens to the public. Prince Charles bought the historic property in 1980, and has painstakingly transformed the land adjoining the house into a series of individual 'outdoor rooms' to showcase his gardening ideals and organic principles, all with a wide range of colourful floral and fauna.
The gardens were first opened to the public in 1994, and since then over £7million has been raised for charity via the garden tours, events, catering and retail, with a shop on site that sells some produce that uses ingredients grown in the gardens. Highgrove gardens are open for tours on selected dates between April and October, but you can get a sneak preview of what to expect here…
Photo: Marianne Majerus
In the early years when Prince Charles first moved to Highgrove it was said to have little more than a neglected kitchen garden, a few hollow oaks, an overgrown copse and some pastureland, but under the Prince of Wales’ watchful eye it has been transformed beyond recognition and now welcomes around 37,000 visitors a year.
Photo: Highgrove Enterprises
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This is just one of the ‘outdoor rooms’ that has been created at Highgrove gardens, with a stunning mosaic-tiled fountain at its centre. Vibrant florals and greenery are planted around either side, while the walled surround creates a peaceful place to escape and unwind.
Photo: Highgrove Enterprises
The wildflower meadow stretches out across four acres in front of the house, and transforms with the seasons, thanks to its mix of wildflowers and trees, including a National Collection of beech.
Photo: Highgrove Enterprises
As the name suggests, the Lily Pool Garden has a striking pond at its centre, with a bench positioned nearby where visitors – or Charles and Camilla – can sit and admire the beautiful surroundings and perfectly-manicured hedgerows.
Photo: Highgrove Enterprises
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More pristine lawns, topiary and trees can be found in the Terrace Garden, which is remarkably different to some of the other colourful gardens Prince Charles has designed.
Photo: Highgrove Enterprises
The Cottage Garden features spring and autumn flowering bulbs in a scheme inspired by the colours of Tibet mixed with a traditional English style. This area also features an oak summer house that was co-designed by the Prince of Wales.
Photo: Highgrove Enterprises
The Sundial Garden was designed to encapsulate a classic English country estate, with blue, pink, and purple delphiniums. Willow sculptures and of course, the sundial, act as the garden’s focal point when the flowers aren’t in bloom.
Photo: Highgrove Enterprises
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The Stumpery takes inspiration from Victorian gardening techniques, and is filled with unique and interesting features, including a thatched tree house and beautiful oak temple. We think the Prince of Wales’ grandchildren, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis would love this one!
Photo: Highgrove Enterprises