Facelift revives Shakespearian Garden as unique community space

An upgrade has rejuvenated the Botanic Gardens’ very own Shakespearian Garden as a unique place for the community to host a wedding, sit and read Macbeth, or simply enjoy some quiet time out.

The project is one of several underway to mark the Botanic Garden’s 50-year celebrations with many parts of the well-loved community space receiving some tender loving care.

Wagga Wagga City Council’s Supervisor, Horticulture, Henry Pavitt said the Shakespearian Garden was earmarked for an upgrade to bring it up to the standards that the community deserve.

“The Garden was built in 1988 as a project of the Australian Bicentenary. It was sponsored by the Shakespearian Society of Wagga Wagga, which is reputedly the oldest in Australia, which is how the garden got its name,” he said.

“The walled courtyard garden is true to the style of Shakespeare’s 15^th-century England when the gardens of the time incorporated plants such as small box hedges and conifers.

“Urns, decorative statues, pavers in customary patterns and gates adorned with a traditional motif complete the Elizabethan period atmosphere of the space.

“The small formal beds are planted and trimmed to form what is known as a Knot Garden, and is enclosed as most gardens of the time were,” he said.

The upgrade adds another public venue to the many available to the community to utilise for events such as naming ceremonies, weddings and special family events. It can comfortably fit around 100 people and is a bookable site, like the Tree Chapel.

An upgrade at the Tree Chapel, another popular spot for weddings, will commence later this month and is due for completion by the end of September.

The Shakespearian Garden project was designed, planned and constructed by Wagga Wagga City Council’s Parks and Recreation team.

The Shakespearian Society will read from some of the Bard’s famous works from 2pm on Wednesday 11 July and members of the public are welcome to attend.

Celebrations to mark the Botanic Gardens 50-year anniversary are planned for later in the year.

Book Wagga Wagga City Council public spaces here.