The Heide Museum of Modern Art in Melbourne has revealed plans to add a new Healing Garden to its campus. Inspired by Heide founder Sunday Reed’s affinity for gardens, the fecund space will draw upon the curative properties of plants and the growing knowledge that posits gardens as a powerful tool to connect people.
Locally based landscape architecutre studio Openwork will oversee the creation of the eclectic, circular garden, which is slated to open in late 2020. The design will comprise six distinct clusters of plant life that convey a variety of sensory experiences. Social areas and more intimate nooks will be spread throughout the garden, complete with seating made from leftover limestone from Heide Modern.
“Using existing structures and plants the design looks to heighten the experience of nature and create a protective space within the wider Heide garden. In many ways, the Healing Garden sums up the broader Heide ethos and garden experience in one space,” says Openwork senior landscape architect Elizabeth Herbert. “By creating small moments through different planting styles, strategic seating placement and sensory activities, the garden’s design invites visitors to pause, occupy the space around them and ultimately own their experience.”
