• Journal of the Korean Institute of Traditional Landscape Architecture
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• v.28 no.3
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• pp.131-143
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• 2010

This paper investigates the history, policy and status of the conservation of historic gardens in the National Trust in England and its implications for Korea. It was conducted in three phases as follows: First, related literature data was collected to understand the National Trust and its role in the conservation of historic gardens. Second, The National Trust Policy Papers: Gardens and Landscape Parks in 1996 was reviewed and analyzed into eight categories with a review of 216 gardens and interviews with gardener-in-charge via e-mail. Finally an understanding of the policy for the conservation of historic gardens was formed from the results of the previous phases, and implications were drawn from the integrated analysis guidelines of the policy and status. The key feature of the conservation of the National Trust's historic gardens is that the conservation process has been conducted systematically through acquisition, management, upkeep, advice and so on. Furthermore, the conservation principles are defined in a concise and accessible form. According to their practical conservation process and principles, the results of the National Trust activities are to appreciate the significance of the gardens and act with accountability; integration; managing change; access and participation; and training gardener and partnership. According to the results of its activities under the premise that the purpose of the conservation and the meaning of a garden do not differ significantly among nations, implications for Korea can be primarily suggested by three points as follows: First of all, a flexible approach to change in historic gardens should be managed. In response to inevitable and desirable change, anything that is added or transferred should be recorded for the future as much as possible. Therefore, everything must be recorded and any change should be managed. Second, is to provide sustainable access for the benefit for the people and visitors. The aim of conserving the gardens is for human's to eventually understand that the present generation just borrows the historic gardens before they are passed down. The ensuing implication is that people may enjoy the gardens educationally, aesthetically, and physically, and children can be continuously interested in historic gardens as apart of educating the future generation. Finally, the National Trust educates apprentice gardeners who will maintain the historic gardens and continuously keep the current garden staff up to date with workshops. This is in contrast to the day laborers who work for historic gardens in Korea. In practice, the maintenance of historic gardens is not a simple process. The gardener must understand the past, reflect the present, and prepare for the future. Therefore, gardeners deliver culture from generation to generation.