Errard Hall open garden to boost BMI

AN Open Garden replete with Devonshire tea is being held at Errard Hall this month to raise funds for the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute.

Set for the weekend of 22 and 23 November, the event offers the chance to appreciate one of central Ballarat’s finest period homes and gardens.

Located at 5 Errard Street North, Errard Hall was built in 1902 in a grand Victorian style and has big features with a garden to match, organisers say.

The garden was designed by Ballarat landscape designer Janene Byrne about eleven years ago.

“I was asked by my clients to help them create a beautiful garden that would complement their grand period home, situated in the heart of Ballarat,” Byrne said in a recounting of the project that’s left a legacy to inspire garden lovers of today.

The designer said after years of working around inherited plants that were not thriving, the front garden of Errard Hall had received a major overhaul.

“The immense proportions and the beautiful entrance made it feel vital to create a sense of arrival, so we have formalised the garden by replacing the gravel paths with a blue stone crazy paving, edged with old red bricks to match the front path,” she said.

“A beautiful cast iron water fountain has been installed and the plantings have been simplified by using buxus spheres, asparagus ferns, hydrangeas, choisya tenata and camellias.

“Lighting is paramount and brings the garden to life at night.

“The back garden had a beautiful existing pool and surrounding sandstone paving, but it lacked personality and was calling out for an injection of life.

“My clients love entertaining and sharing their home and garden with their many friends, so the aim was to create a relaxed garden that maximises the different spaces and reflects their vibrant personalities.

“The lawn was divided up into garden beds and filled with many roses, perennials and bulbs. Pots and beautiful urns are disbursed thoughout the back garden to give the space a vibrant and unique character.”

Tickets to the upcoming open garden and Devonshire tea fundraiser for BMI are through Humanitix, with bookings also able to be made by visiting the BMI Library.