Interview Recording
Interview Transcript
Carol Westmore interviewed on 14 July 2025 by Jean Elder
Synopsis
Since arriving in Tasmania in 1974 with little practical gardening experience, Melbourne born Carol Westmore has achieved two remarkable feats. She has recreated a unique garden at Patterdale near Evandale in the northern midlands of Tasmania and she has led the major restoration of the historic home established there in 1832 by the well-known English born colonial landscape painter John Glover [1767-1849] .
Before purchasing Patterdale, Carol and her husband Rodney owned a large, well established garden at ‘High Winnard’, a 1930s home in Launceston. This was Carol’s introduction to Tasmanian gardening. At the same time, the couple were involved in the operation of farming properties on King Island and Greens Beach, Tasmania.
Patterdale initially attracted the interest of the Westmore family due to its potential as a viable working farm and its proximity to Launceston. However, they could not have anticipated the profound impact the property would have on their lives. Carol’s academic background in mathematics and project management, coupled with her early practical experience in farming in Tasmania, provided a strong foundation for the meticulous planning and execution of the restoration of both the house and garden.
Patterdale purchased in 2004, was later expanded to include the adjacent, historic Nile Farm in 2006. Together these properties, along with the encompassing agricultural land, form just one of four cultural landscapes listed by the Tasmanian Heritage Council. The heritage listing process necessitated extensive archival research, which culminated in a detailed historical record of the site.
The restoration of the house and garden was significantly informed by two key art works, both from 1835. One is John Glover’s A view of the artist’s house and garden, in Mills Plains, Van Diemen’s Land, which offers intricate botanical details. The other is an annotated panorama of Patterdale Farm by his son John Glover junior. Although these art works provided valuable visual references, Carol observes that John Glover senior’s depiction is ‘probably a little fanciful’, suggesting a degree of artistic interpretation rather than strict documentation.
Starting in 2019, and in consultation with Tasmanian landscape designer Catherine Shields, Carol has cultivated a garden designed to showcase seasonal variations in colour and texture. This contemporary, densely planted, recreated garden now attracts visitors from around the world, many of whom also explore the specific surrounding vantage points from which Glover painted his landscapes. The site’s connection to Glover is further reinforced by the annual John Glover Landscape Prize, a prestigious national art award.
A 2017 poem by Jeff Brownrigg imagines a conversation between John Glover and Betty Churcher, the former director of the National Gallery of Australia. This fictional dialogue invites broader reflections, including speculative interactions with the Wee.tac.en.ner people, the original custodians of the surrounding Ben Lomond Nation.
This 21st century adaptation of the artist’s garden at Patterdale, stands as a testament to Carol Westmore’s expertise and dedication. Her work as gardener, farmer and tourism entrepreneur exemplifies a contemporary engagement with cultural heritage, environmental stewardship, and artistic legacy.