Description

From the main Botanikuri entrance, a steep path rises up above the river promenade to the west past a group of historic ‘Brick Style’ and two stone towers, with the ruins of the Narikala Fortress directly above. After passing the children’s play area, which occupies two terraces, the main path leads onto the gardens surrounding the former Museum, which still retains elements of the formal bed layout seen in historic photographs and remains of historic structures.

Topography and landform

A series of artificial terraces climb up an area of slightly more shallow slopes at the foot of the Sololaki ridge. They are retained by a series of stone and brick walls, some of which have been recently rebuilt. Some of these retain ornamental features and there is potential evidence of earlier phases of retaining walls and structures. With a southerly aspect, the terraces enjoy excellent sun exposure.

Vegetation and Plant Collections

This area is currently managed as an arboretum, somewhat densely planted and with many self-set trees. Although much of its historical bed layout survives, edged with small rockery stones as shown in historic photographs. On the terrace above the play area there is a display of subtropical plants. The tree cover now heavily shades the area, limiting the potential for growing other plants.

Paths, roads and access

The principal route from the entrance to the Garden is surfaced with asphalt. Other paths are primarily unsurfaced or surfaced with loose gravel, and some are edged with rockery stone in a variety of sizes. There is a brick paved path with brick edges leading to one of the historic towers.

Buildings and structures

The Museum is at the heart of the historic terraces, overlooking the core of the ornamental gardens. The historic stone towers are also part of the periphery of the site, along with the ‘Brick Style’ historic guesthouse and laboratory (ticket office) buildings near the Botanikuri entrance. In addition to the remains of the ‘French Orangerie’ ornamental conservatory in the south part of the terraces, there were other greenhouses / conservatories in this area.

The large rectangular pool can be seen in historic photographs to have supported a similar structure, and beyond the existing greenhouse a high brick wall is likely to have supported a lean-to greenhouse. There is a pool with a stature remains on the Museum terrace. Historic photographs show a single jet fountain with a pool was previously located in the vicinity. Further up the slope adjacent to the main path below the Sololaki Ridge, there is a substantial brick built grotto with evidence of artificial tufa rustication partially adhering to the brickwork.

Utilities infrastructure

A variety of utilities cross the area, most of which are underground. There are some above-ground irrigation network pipes. There is a large, meshcovered rectangular cistern in the north part of the area.

Site furniture and signage

Benches and bins in this area are in a slatted-timber style. There are some with ornamental cast-iron or steel ends, and another type with a curved seat and back. There are several signs and plant tags identifying specimens of interest and orientation signs at some path junctions. There are lampposts at the main path junction in an historic gas lamp style. Views out of the area are limited by the surrounding trees, although there is potential for views out across the river to the gardens beyond.