Willsmere has a very large and beautiful system of gardens surrounding the heritage buildings. Some of the trees have as much historical significance as the building itself.
A number of our trees are on the national trust register and you can see their listings at the following locations: http://vhd.heritagecouncil.vic.gov.au/places/71255 (Himalayan deodar cedar), http://vhd.heritagecouncil.vic.gov.au/places/71253 (peppercorn). Here is an example report from our arborist on the condition of the specific heritage trees in the complex.
A comprehensive survey of all trees over 5 metres (about 350!) was conducted and reported in September 2019 to ensure appropriate management and replacement planning. These reports are separated as "internal" or "external" depending on location relative to the perimter walls. Tree identities are indexed by location meaning you can look up the botanical and common names. The reports can be downloaded here: Internal Trees; External Trees.
To keep a consitent theme across the estate, and to make the job of managing the gardens efficient, please note that modification of common gardens is not allowed without written permission, which includes the beds in front of the townhouses.
The Willsmere Kitchen Garden (WKG) is a community garden located in Yarra Bend Park, adjacent to Willsmere. The WKG was established in 2017 as a collaboration between a group of residents from Willsmere and Parks Victoria. It provides a cherished place to share a vision of growing our own food, strengthening community bonds and sharing gardening knowledge. We take pride in its openness and welcome everyone in the community to enjoy our beautiful gardens, but ask that you respect the produce of individuals.
The first stage of the gardens is designed to pay homage to the formal gardens of the neighbouring asylum and the site’s history as a kitchen garden that supplied food for the patients and staff of the asylum. It features a central talking circle surrounded by seats that are designed to encourage conversations and community. Above-ground beds were donated by Bunnings Hawthorn in November 2018 and smaller community herb beds around the inner circle were created with recycled local materials. In 2019 a variety of herbs were planted for all to enjoy.
The inaugural committee have a vision and a grand plan for the future that involves a second set of above-ground beds mirroring the first, a heritage fruit orchard, a garlic farm, many more in-ground beds, grape vines, communal spaces with paving and chairs and tables as well as a series of workshops and community days designed to celebrate the space and share knowledge.
Willsmere is located at 1 Wiltshire Drive Kew VIC 3101. Visitor access is via Yarra Boulevard.