How can the gardens grow?

THE direction in which the Ballarat Botanical Gardens grow and change into the future could be influenced by community ideas.

A new master plan for the historic 40-hectare green space, including the adjacent north and south gardens, is being developed by the City of Ballarat in partnership with landscape architect Andrea Proctor.

Municipal officers are seeking feedback from residents and visitors on what they do and don’t like about the precinct, and what could be improved.

A new master plan hasn’t been penned since 1995, and any long-term visions people have for the area are also welcome.

“Everyone has their own special memories of the Ballarat Botanical Gardens and now is

the chance to put your ideas forward to inform the preparation of the master plan,” said City of Ballarat spokesperson, Cr Amy Johnson.

“The master plan will be the long-term plan for the gardens which will maintain and protect the gardens’ important and well-loved features while allowing it to meet visitors’ contemporary needs.

“The more feedback from our community and visitors, the better informed our plan will be.”

Also set to contribute to the master plan are community groups including Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation, the Friends of the Ballarat Botanical Gardens, and the Ballarat Botanical Gardens Foundation.

Based just west of Lake Wendouree, the gardens date back to the 1850s. Key drawcards are heritage-listed trees, the Robert Clark Conservatory or ‘glasshouse,’ the Prime Ministers’ Avenue, statues, the gothic fernery, and the annual Ballarat Begonia Festival.

Proctor has been a part of landscaping projects at Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria, and the Albury and Colac botanic gardens.

Visit the City’s MySay website to fill out the survey by Sunday 21 April, 5pm, or drop into a consultation session on Sunday 7 April, 10am to 2pm at the conservatory.

Printed copies are available there, at Ballarat Libraries, or the Phoenix customer service centre.