‘Milorda’ in distress
The Sa’ Maison Garden, a small, pretty garden known mostly for its military heritage, is also known as ‘il-Gnien tal-Milorda’ (Her Ladyship’s Garden) in memory of Lady Julia Lockwood, who reportedly resided there between 1842 and 1856. Her house was later demolished and the garden taken over by the military, which were responsible for its maintenance until 1903, when it was taken over by the civil government.
I have had the occasion to visit this garden recently in the company of some friends from the UK. The place is interesting indeed; apart from the several regimental crests, which are engraved in the bastion wall inside the garden, there is also a small model of a castle carved in Maltese stone and dedicated to the 2nd Battalion of the Essex Regiment. The garden also includes a Knight’s Gardjola (watch tower) which provides spectacular views of the Ta’ Xbiex Yacht Marina and fortifications.
But my goodness, doesn’t the place lack maintenance! It is very obvious that very little attention is given to regular maintaining this garden, which could very easily attract so much more attention from both locals as well as visitors to our island. But please, get some workforce to put in some time on a regular basis so as to bring the place up to a standard befitting the place! I am very sure that, with more effort from whoever is responsible, and some more publicity, the Sa’ Maison garden will be an attraction to us all. It needs time and good management, but it is not impossible to achieve the desired goal – a public garden worth visiting.

A. E. Camilleri
Swieqi