Young foliage of Banksia grandis. Original photograph by Dr Marion Blackwell AM
As part of Murdoch University's 50th anniversary celebrations, the naming of the Marion Blackwell Garden honours her visionary landscape architecture which shaped the beauty and character of Murdoch University’s original campus. Her contribution resulted in the beautiful bush campus that
envelopes the buildings, delights visitors, maintains biodiversity, and
provides a refuge for native fauna.
The Marion Blackwell Garden is located at the Perth campus.
Dr Marion Blackwell AM
World-recognised pioneering landscape architect and ecologist, Dr Marion Blackwell AM, was instrumental in creating Murdoch University’s renowned bush-campus setting.
Appointed as the University’s Landscape Consultant in 1973, Blackwell designed the campus with Australian native plants to complement the campus architecture by Ronald Jack (Gus) Ferguson. In 1975, she suggested the Banksia grandis as the floral emblem for Murdoch University’s well-known crest.
We used a lot of beautiful gum trees. Some from WA, some from different states. Different themes for different areas. It’s nice to have a vital living environment.
Recognised with the Western Australian Civic Design Award in 1987, Blackwell’s work in planning, design and conservation established her as a leading figure in environmental science and landscape architecture. Her work included helping to establish national parks, promoting and supporting the nomination of Australian UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and collaborating with Indigenous communities on conservation issues.
In 2018, Murdoch University awarded Blackwell an honorary doctorate. Together with her husband, Dr John Blackwell, she has supported a number of research and conservation projects, mostly in Western Australia.
As part of Murdoch University’s 50th anniversary, the naming of the Marion Blackwell Garden honours her inspiring contributions to the University's character and identity, her vast impact in the field of landscape architecture, and her enduring legacy in the conservation of Australia’s unique environmental areas.
