Former Botanical Gardens
前香港植物公園
1864, Streetscapes, Landscapes & Infrastructural Facilities 街貌、景觀及基礎建設
Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens was established in 1864. Before 1975, it was named Hong Kong Botanical Garden for the reason that a Hong Kong Herbarium was once set in it.
Locals usually refer the garden as ‘Bing Tau Fa Yuen’ because it was once residence of the Governor, who was the “head” of British soldiers, from 1841 to 1842. Some claim that the name originates from the bronze statue of King George VI.
Bing Tau Fa Yuen is a place of collective memories for generations of Hong Kong people. Taking photos in front of the quaint fountain, watching police silver band performing in the cast iron pavilion and saying hello to chimpanzee are perfect ways to spend a day. Unfortunately, much of the gracefulness of the garden has been lost following countless renovations in the last 30 years.
香港動植物公園建於一八六四年，因曾設置香港植物標本室，原名為香港植物公園，直到一九七五年才易名至今。
市民慣稱其為「兵頭花園」，緣自於一八四一至四二年間曾為港督居所，港督亦為英兵的「亞頭」，亦有說是由於英皇佐治六世銅像，故而稱之。
兵頭花園是上幾代香港人的集體回憶，在那古雅的大噴泉拍照，到鑄鐵的涼亭欣賞警察銀樂隊演奏及和猩猩打過招呼，足以開心一天。可惜是，近三十年來的不斷改建，早已失去原來的幽雅風情。
文：馮永基 (香港註冊建築師)
相片：高添強提供
http://www.etnet.com.hk/www/tc/diva/art_hkac_detail.php?id=29053&page=2
