MR. GORDONasked the First Commissioner of Works, If his attention has been called to the neglected state of Kensington Gardens, both as regards the trees and the herbage; whether any steps can be taken for the better preservation of both; and, whether anything can be done to remedy the unsightliness of the chance paths which have been made in various parts of the Gardens?
§ MR. GERARD NOELThe attention of the noble Lord, my Predecessor at the Office of Works (Lord Henry Lennox) was last year called to the unsatisfactory state of Kensington Gardens. He asked for a Report on the subject both from Dr. Hooker and the Superintendent of Hyde Park. Perhaps the House will permit me to read an extract from it, as it expresses in far better terms than I can do the condition of Kensington Gardens. 1204
Kensington Gardens differs from a park in which there are considerable space between the trees. When these fall from old age or other irremediable causes young trees can be planted in fresh and unbroken ground. Kensington Gardens, on the other hand, is practically a piece of forest, and requires for its renovation the same kind of treatment. The trees have, to a large extent, reached the term of their existance on a soil naturally light. The only plan appears to me to totally clear portions of the ground, deeply trench, fence, and replant.The House will therefore see that the matter requires care and consideration, and, what is of greater importance, an expenditure of money. During the winter many trees have been cut down; they were merely bare poles, no ornament in themselves, and injuring their neighbours. This has opened out many of the large old trees and given space and light to the more flourishing younger ones; but the only way of dealing with Kensington Gardens is in the manner indicated in Dr. Hooker's Report. With regard to the herbage, many parts of the Gardens will be re-sown and put in order; but this question of the herbage is enough to break the heart of any one who takes an interest in it. The trees stand so thick, the shade from them is so great, and the number of persons walking over the grass is so considerable that it is quite impossible to keep it in tidy order. I hope, when the Estimates come on, to be in a position to propose a Vote for a new broad walk to run from the top of Rotten Row into Kensington Gardens, and this will obviate, to a certain extent, "the unsightliness of the chance paths," of which the hon. Gentleman complains.