HERE is a photograph of the Italian Gardens from 1987 before the wave design railings were installed in 1994.
Originally designed by Ursula Thompson, the first women to graduate from Kew Gardens, the layout was inspired by Miss Thompson’s work in Italy restoring classical gardens there.
Constance Maillard, then chairwoman of the council, had the idea to create the garden on a piece of rough ground next to the public shelter and Miss Thompson’s ideas for the garden were very well received by Mrs Maillard who then authorised the building and planting. The gardens were formally opened in March 1926 and were originally called Beach Rock Gardens, New Rock Garden then Promenade Garden.
Many thanks to Andrew Coslett from Images of Bygone Penarth Facebook site for providing the image.
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