The idea of a Botanic Garden was first mooted in 1968 by the late Harold Lanfear, Head of Horticulture at the Isle of Wight Technical College, and Mona Zink who together started the Isle of Wight Botanic Garden Society.  After much advice and consultation with official representatives on the Island it was agreed that the best site would be the grounds of the derelict Royal National Hospital for Diseases of the Chest, which Ventnor Urban District Council acquired to develop as public open space. Planning and stocking the garden was led by the noted plantsman Sir Harold Hillier who recognised the exciting possibilities afforded by the protected microclimate of the Undercliff. As a result, ‘Steephill Pleasure Garden with botanical interest’ was officially opened in 1972 by Earl Mountbatten. The name later evolved into Ventnor Botanic Garden (VBG)*.

In 1986 Simon Goodenough was appointed the new Curator and the Ventnor Botanic Garden Friends’ Society was formed to support Simon in his work of developing VBG. In 2000 the Society became a registered charity with a constitution drawn up by the late Bob Millson, whose name is commemorated in ‘Bob’s Bridge’ in the Australian section of VBG.  Bob also edited an enlarged news magazine, Ventnorensis.  Over the years, the Friends raised many thousands of pounds for their beloved garden through a huge variety of endeavours including plant sales and auctions, outings and talks, and social gatherings or by being the lead body in grant applications.  They supported the volunteers and education officer, collected, cleaned and packaged seeds for distribution to members and for sale, and shared their enthusiasm and love for the garden far and wide.

*Please note that the Ventnor Botanic Friends Society is now known as the Ventnor Friends of Wight Horticulture.

2005: we appointed our first President, the late Brian Kidd, who was widely known as a broadcaster on Radio Solent.  Brian had vast experience and knowledge and was Head of Portsmouth City’s Parks and Gardens Department for many years.

2008: the Society celebrated 21 years of the Friends with an exhibition and a number of events.  The largest was held in September when Alan Titchmarsh was our principal guest.

Simon and Deb Goodenough at the 21st anniversary celebration of The Friends

In June 2017 the Society celebrated 45 years of the Ventnor Botanic Garden using funds awarded by the Big Lottery to host a week-long party entitled ‘Through the Garden Gate’.  Events included talks, guided walks, watching the sun rise on Midsummer’s Day, a Members Tea Party and a Teddy Bears Picnic.  

2017: The Friends became a CIO.

2017 – 2021: The Apprenticeship Scheme run in conjunction with the Isle of Wight College and supported by the Friends including using gift-aided contributions from visitors, saw five young people qualify and set out on promising careers in horticulture.

David gets words of advice from Simon Goodenough at the anniversary party.

David and George hop picking.

George and Adam get their tractor driving certificates.

Indi and Ellis with their mentor, Trish Brenchley.

Ellis recounts his experiences during his work experience placement, sponsored by the Friends, at Tresco Abbey Gardens.

Ellis pictured with his audience outside the Nammet Room.

Prior to this, the Friends had supported Conrad, who started by volunteering at VBG, to go to Sparshalt College. He is now a valued member of the team at Thenford.

Mike Fitt.

2021 Mike Fitt OBE, FCIHort, FCMI was appointed President. Mike was formerly the Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Parks for London’s Royal Parks and founded and now Chairs the Royal Parks Guild, a membership body supporting the Royal Parks.

2022:  we marked the 50th anniversary of VBG by donating a hybrid Palm (Butya x Jubaea) x Syagurus which was planted by the High Sheriff Kay Marriott

The High Sheriff with Keith Brewer, who worked at Ventnor Botanic Garden from the start.

2025: The start of a new era as we changed our name and widened our charitable objects so that, building on the experience of the previous 38 years, the Friends can now support botany, horticulture and horticultural education in parks and gardens across the Isle of Wight.

2025: The Simon Goodenough Bursary Fund launched.

For more details of the Friends’ history see: ‘The Start of the Friendship’ by Simon Goodenough, ‘Bonding and Belonging, 2000-2011’ and ‘What the Friends funded in the early years’ by Rosemary Stewart and ‘The New Era; the Friends’ work with the CIC from 2011’ by Sally Peake  in Ventnorensis 28, Spring/Summer 2021 pp 10-11, 16-17, 23-24 and 29-31 Click to read.

Any references to Ventnor Botanic Garden on this website are for informational purposes only and do not imply any current affiliation, endorsement or other relationship with Ventnor Botanic Garden C.I.C.

Registered Charity No: – 1174751

© 2025 Ventnor Friends of Wight Horticulture