The WA branch of the Australian Garden History Society is holding a photographic exhibition ‘Historic Gardens of Perth’ in the ground floor exhibition space of the Perth Town Hall from 13 - 23 May.

The exhibition will cover a selection of Perth gardens ranging from plant nurseries, market gardens, private pleasure gardens and public parks, most of them within the city precinct.

By highlighting many largely unknown gardens, the exhibition will provide an overview of horticulture practice and the changing trends that resulted from the growth and development of the city. As well as showcasing private gardens, it will look at the role played by certain public officials and municipal gardeners, who, in guiding plant selection and garden design, laid the foundation of the current city streetscapes.

The exhibition, which is being funded by the WA branch and the National Management Committee of the Australian Garden History Society, with generous assistance from the City of Perth, will promote the importance of parks and gardens in the history of Perth. Much of the supporting research and material of this significant part of the city’s cultural heritage has not been viewed by the broader public, and will be brought together for the first time.

Held to commemorate the twenty-first anniversary of the WA branch of the Australian Garden History Society, the exhibition aims to raise awareness of the role and work of the society in the local community, and will draw on the research and curatorial expertise of John Viska, Lisa Williams, Elizabeth Hof, Gillian Lilleyman and Ruth Morgan.

After the exhibition closes, research and graphic display material will be donated to the local studies collection at the City of Perth Library, expanding and extending the material’s accessibility to the general public.

Historic Gardens Exhibition