Grounds_and_landscaping Kew_Asylum

asylum grounds, circa 1890

the grounds of kew asylum landscaped in tradition of english country park. consistent victorian idea pleasant or beautiful surroundings ease mental anguish of inmates. has been proposed initial plantings on site supplied baron ferdinand von mueller, director of botanic gardens. initially, grounds planted many conifers , large growing trees, oaks, elms , moreton bay figs; , trees indigenous area, river red gum, yellow box, , lightwood retained in landscape. in 1913 landscape gardener hugh linaker employed lay out grounds of mont park asylum. landscape gardener state lunacy department commenced program of landscape improvements , tree plantings @ other asylums in victoria, including kew.

the conifer plantings , oak avenues along main , lower drives established , of mature size 1940s. conifers planted 1860s along moreton bay figs , oaks. oaks , elms more planted 1880s. not known if linaker responsible oak avenues, appears many of conifers, monterey pines, canary island pines, monterey cypress, hoop pine, bunya bunya pines , himalayan cedars, predate linaker , oaks , elms may have been planted after appointment. use of bhutan cypress in landscape due linaker favoured upright trees. possible 2 remnant monterey cypress along main drive , monterey pine along lower drive trees earlier planting scheme. several trees , plants on grounds of kew asylum , kew cottages have been classified of historical significance victorian heritage council , national trust of australia (victoria), , have been protected during property s redevelopment.

in addition asylum s ornamental gardens, grounds featured vegetable gardens, farms , recreational areas such cricket ovals , bowling greens. little evidence remains of these structures except there road encircles former cricket oval.