The 1851 discovery of gold in Ballarat changed the future of the city from an isolated squatter’s settlement to one of the richest urban areas of the time.
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But, what many people may not know, is that after the 1856 Ballarat municipality was formed, it was decided two years later to convert the Ballarat police horse paddock into a flourishing Botanical Garden.
A garden design competition was promoted across the region, offering a prize money of just £10.
Winners of the prize were Messrs Wright and Armstrong who selected George Longley to turn their vision into a reality.
Having trained in horticulture at Lowther Castle in England, Longley was paid just £3 to turn their vision into a reality.
The rest, as they say, is history.
Fast forward 165 years and Friends of the Ballarat Botanical Gardens president Raoul Dixon says the Ballarat Botanical Gardens remained one of the city’s most precious, hidden treasures.
“The thing about the gardens is that it does remain a hidden treasure because it’s not immediately apparently to visitors who come here to see some of other attractions and historic architecture,” Mr Dixon said.
“But our gardens in Ballarat are world-class.
“In fact, they have been crowned one of the ten best regional gardens in the world.
“We’ve got a terrific collection of trees, some which are 150 plus years old and are featured on the National Trust of Significant Trees Register.”
“At this time of the year there is such a great display of flowers with the Christmas red and white flower beds still in full bloom.”
Nearby, the Ballarat Botanical Gardens Fernery is set to undergo a major redevelopment.
The City of Ballarat has already provided a $1.4 million grant for the project, with a fundraising campaign now underway to see the project fully completed.
“It is not just about replacing the existing structure but completely redeveloping the garden and bringing it to the forefront,” Mr Dixon said.
Another attraction is the Prime Ministers Avenue. The avenue was opened in 1940 and at the time featured the first six Prime Ministers of Australia. The first 12 busts were a gift to Ballarat from prominent local benefactor and federal politician Richard Armstrong Crouch, but the City of Ballarat now takes responsibility for commissioning the busts. The iconic avenue in Ballarat’s Botanical Gardens showcases a collection of 27 bronze busts dating from federation to Julia Gillard’s time as leader
“Grab your family, a picnic blanket and enjoy the beautiful surrounds on a sunny day,” Mr Dixon said.
Melissa Cunningham
City of Ballarat and Social Affairs Reporter
City of Ballarat and Social Affairs Reporter
