Government Gardens
A model and symbol of civilised behaviour
GUIDE TO GOVERNMENT GARDENS
The Government Gardens were first developed in 1846-47 by Commandant Champ. They were much admired as an ornamental garden, where important visitors and resident families could take the air, free from the disturbing presence of convicts.
The gardens were laid out on the principles of symmetry, and topiary was used to create a sense of neatness and control, appropriate to a military establishment. It served as a model and symbol of civilised behaviour and idealised womanhood – ordered, peaceful and beautiful.
The gardens today are a reconstruction of the originals. After the Settlement was closed in 1877, the original gardens were neglected. Reconstruction began in 1991. Photographs, drawings and descriptions from the mid 19th century were interrogated, archaeological and botanical studies performed, and the remaining fabrics repaired until a faithful replica was finished in 2001.
The plants present have been cross referenced against those growing at the Queens Domain in Hobart during the late 19th century. They range from the familiar plants of England, such as violets and fox gloves, privet and box, to the novel and exotic plants that were collected from trade ports across Africa (agapanthus), South America (canna lilies) and Asia (camellia).