Paddington Reservoir Gardens - Plants

Built: 2009

Paddington Reservoir Gardens began as a water storage space for the early Sydney colony in 1866. This intended usage did not last long as Sydney's population rapidly expanded beyond the Reservoir's water carrying capacity. This project sought to subtly foster and maintain the strange atmosphere found in the subterranean structure, converting the disused reservoir into an urban garden. A sunken garden occupies the two western chambers of the reservoir. One inaccessible planted with a palette of highly textured plants reminiscent of a Victorian era planting, the other slightly raised and planted with a single gum tree in a lawn. At the centre of these two gardens, under a remnant piece of vaulted roof, a dark pond reflects all.