Tara Murray
The Australian Garden History Society got a first hand look at the HV McKay Memorial Gardens earlier this month.
The group toured the gardens along with the Friends of HV McKay Memorial Gardens’ volunteer group.
Friends group president Melinda Mockridge said it was an honour to have such a prestigious group tour the gardens
”Even today, some 110 years after establishment, many features of the gardens remain or have been rejuvenated, including 100-year-old oak trees and a lovely ‘gardenesque-style’ layout of sweeping walking paths and associated garden beds,” she said.
“In recent months, an area of about one-third of the size of the gardens, at the northern end, has been completely renovated and re-planted by council, including the re-introduction of perimeter hedge planting.
“This is the area where the famous ‘bronze lions’ were located, on pillars, but they have long ago been stolen by persons unknown, and will hopefully make their way back home one day in the future.”
Ms Mockridge said the council is currently conducting a scoping study into the development of an artwork that will enhance the gardens.
The friends also held tours on the weekend as part of heritage week.
