Ventnor Botanic Garden lies in the remarkable microclimate at the heart of the famous 'Undercliff.' This unique garden is protected from the cold northerly winds by chalk downs. Indeed, it holds the warmth from its southerly aspect so well that, combined with the moderating influence of the sea, frost is rarely known. When frost does occur it is usually of short duration and not great severity.

With an average rainfall of 28 inches its climate is more akin to the Mediterranean. This enables a wide variety of plants considered too tender for much of mainland Britain to be grown.

The garden is unrivalled for its collections of subtropical plants grown unprotected out of doors.