Flower power — The Island’s summer makeover is in full bloom!

The Island’s gone floral!

Summer planting is now in full bloom across the Isle of Wight, turning heads (and flower beds) with a dazzling display of colour and creativity.

Thanks to the green-thumbed efforts of John O’Conner’s team, an eye-popping 24,441 bedding plants have been tucked into public flower beds across the Island. That’s right — twenty-four thousand, four hundred and forty-one. We counted. (Well, they did.)

This year's floral line-up includes the ever-cheerful Osteospermums, classic geraniums, playful antirrhinums (that’s snapdragons to most of us), and the bold and beautiful salvias.

Chosen for their ability to thrive in the Island’s salty sea air, these blooms are more than just a pretty face. They’re part of a carefully curated planting scheme designed to brighten up our public spaces and support local biodiversity.

Natasha Dix, service director for waste, environment, and planning at the Isle of Wight Council, said: “It’s always a joy to see the Island come alive with colour at this time of year.

"The planting has been thoughtfully designed to thrive in our coastal conditions, and we hope residents and visitors alike will enjoy the displays throughout the summer.

"We’d also like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the Island’s town, parish and community councils for their ongoing collaboration and support. Their commitment to floral excellence and pride in our public spaces plays a vital role in making the Isle of Wight bloom so beautifully each year."

And the job doesn’t stop at planting — John O’Conner’s team will be on watering duty too, keeping the blooms perky, pampered, and paparazzi-ready all summer long.

Summer has officially landed — and it’s dressed to impress!

Gardener’s tip of the week

Want your own garden to rival the Island’s dazzling displays? Try watering early in the morning or late in the evening to reduce evaporation and keep your plants happy.

Bonus tip: talking to your plants might not be scientifically proven, but it certainly can’t hurt — and it makes you look delightfully eccentric to the neighbours.