The Peter Underwood Garden for Peace was opened by the former Governor’s wife Frances at a ceremony attended by about 60 people.

Mrs Underwood told the audience at Kings Park of her husband’s dedication to peace and her own experiences with conflict as a child.

She moved with her parents and siblings to North West Tasmania from England after fleeing war in India. Mrs Underwood said her family took up farming as therapy.

“There is something symbolic and therapeutic about farming and gardening - it is an intensely actively rewarding pursuit to cultivate, tend and grow new life, nurture and nourish beauty and provide the conditions for plants to flourish.

“My hope is that this garden will bring nourishment; physical, mental and emotional enrichment to those who visit.”

Michael Howe spoke on behalf of his mother, peace advocate Jean Hearn, who initiated the Tamar Community Peace Trust and motivated members to establish the garden and July’s Tamar Valley Peace Festival.

Mrs Hearn was inspired to act after hearing Mr Underwood’s 2013 Anzac Day speech in which he declared 2015 the Year of Peace.

“This garden at the head of our beautiful Tamar Valley is a place of peace and contemplation – a place to think about ways we can stop the terrible violence in our world,” Mrs Hearn’s speech read.

“It’s a place to think how we can make our communities stronger, more cohesive and kindlier – for kindness is the key to peace.

“Kind communities have no place for violence or assaults; let us extend our individual kindness to our war-plagued world.”

The garden will continue to change and evolve over the next several years. A seat will likely be installed next week and new plants and artworks will be added as funds are raised.

Tamar Community Peace Trust chairwoman Jo Archer said: “This was Jean’s vision and we really have been able to fulfil that, that is to provide the community with a place of peace and reflection so they can solve conflict without violence.”