Established in 1961, the purpose of the NGVWA is to support the interests of the National Gallery of Victoria in funding works for the NGV collection as well as a travel scholarship for NGV curators. This is achieved through a program of interesting events including lectures, seminars, visits to private and regional galleries, opportunities to study garden history and design and social events with an arts based theme. The annual Garden Day is always highly anticipated and frequently sold out.
Ballara’s garden seamlessly blends heritage with modern planting schemes across nearly 3000 square metres of carefully designed grounds. The late Edwardian home, notable for its gabled terracotta roof and original stables, was renovated by RossTang Architects, with interior design by Georgina Jeffries. The expansive, well-proportioned grounds were created by Kate Seddon Landscape Design, forming a harmonious retreat where tradition and innovation coexist.
Entering from the side street, visitors encounter semi-formal gardens framing the driveway and porte-cochère. A large Lilly Pilly (Acmena smithii) and Spotted Gum (Corymbia maculata) flank the entrance, while White Crepe Myrtles (Lagerstroemia indica × fauriei ‘Natchez’) line the fence. Underplantings include Dwarf Pittosporum (Pittosporum tobira ‘Miss Muffett’), Japanese Silver Grass (Miscanthus ‘Eileen Quinn’), Swedish Ivy (Plectranthus ‘Nico’), and Windflowers (Anemone × hybrida ‘Honorine Joubert’). The rear path is bordered by Oakleaf Hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia), New Zealand Rock Lily (Arthropodium ‘Te Puna’), Cape Lily (Veltheimia bracteata), Sedum (Hylotelephium spectabile ‘Autumn Joy’), and a carpet of Kidney Weed (Dichondra repens).
Beyond the internal gate is a Mediterranean-inspired grove of citrus, apricot, nectarine, and pomegranate, underplanted with lemon-scented thyme, creeping thyme, woolly thyme, and trailing rosemary. White Dwarf Indian Hawthorn (Rhaphiolepis intermedia ‘Oriental Pearl’), Tulip Tree (Liriodendron tulipifera ‘Fastigiatum’), and Sweet Lili Agastache (Agastache aurantiana ‘Sweet Lili’) add seasonal colour. Avens (Geum ‘Totally Tangerine’), Torch Lily (Kniphofia ‘Ice Queen’), Savin Juniper (Juniperus sabina), and Grecian Foxglove (Digitalis laevigata) offer texture alongside Indian Hawthorn (Rhaphiolepis), White Correa (Correa alba), and Silver Bush (Convolvulus cneorum).
A stone-paved courtyard sits beneath Tulip trees (Liriodendron tulipifera ‘Fastigiata’), opening to a sunny lawn bordered by sweeping, curved beds of trees and ornamentals. The transition from structured front gardens to the relaxed, richly planted rear demonstrates Ballara’s evolving landscape of light, scent, and seasonal change.
In a narrow bed along the length of the attractive timber pool fence are Silvergrass (Miscanthus sinensis ‘Eileen Quinn’), Silver Bush (Convolvulus cneorum) and Seaside Daisy (Erigeron karvinskianus). Towards the stables-turned-pool house, you’ll find a striking Pacific Madrone (Arbutus menziesii), White Cedar (Melia azedarach ‘Elite’), shrubs of pink Chinese Fringe Flower (Loropetalum ‘Burgundy’) and Smoke Bush (Cotinus coggygria ‘Grace’). A family of weeping Lilly Pillies (Waterhousea floribunda) forms an L-shaped border along the north and west fences. Soft Kidney Weed (Dichondra repens) spreads around steppers, creating a lush, inviting feel, while Savin Juniper (Juniperus sabina) extends beneath tall Eucalyptus.
Mounds of Spurge (Euphorbia characias) and Dwarf Pittosporum (Pittosporum ‘Miss Muffett’) provide dense low cover amongst New Zealand Rock Lily (Arthropodium cirratum ‘Matapouri Bay’). Bearded Iris (Iris germanica), Silver Mist (Helichrysum petiolare ‘Minus’), Fountain Grass (Pennisetum ‘Red Buttons’) and spring flowering bulbs create pockets of interest on either side of the lawn, with a foreground view to hedging of Sweet Viburnum (Viburnum odoratissimum) and Orange Jessamine (Murraya paniculata).
On the eastern side of the pool, Sea Box (Alyxia buxifolia) is one of a suite of plants selected to grow in a challenging environment beneath a mature Manna Gum (Eucalyptus viminalis). The area also features a variety of Crassula species, including Ripple Jade (Crassula undulatifolia), Money Plant (C. ovata), and the shade-loving Fairy Crassula (C. multicava), as well as Peppermint Geranium (Pelargonium tomentosum).
Along the west side of the garden, you’ll discover a tranquil seating nook shaded by a majestic Moreton Bay Fig (Ficus macrophylla). Its sweeping canopy, dramatic buttress and aerial roots lend a feeling of awe to the setting. Beneath this leafy expanse, New Zealand Rock Lilies (Arthropodium cirratum), Forest Lily (Veltheimia bracteata), and the bold, glossy foliage of Tractor Seat (Ligularia dentata var. reniformis) thrive in the shade. This inviting timber deck area, designed by Kate Patterson Landscape Design in 2020, saw utilities relocated to create space for casual entertaining, including a barbecue, pizza oven and bench space for food preparation. Nearby, the modern rear extension features elegant French doors opening onto a large paved terrace. An arbour, draped with ornamental grapevines, frames the space. The terrace offers ample room for outdoor dining and provides easy access to the interior living and kitchen areas.
Along the narrow path between the house and garage leading to the front garden, native violets (Viola banksii) and climbing jasmine (Trachelospermum jasminoides) soften the scene. Closer to Bay Street, you’ll find Rice Paper Plant (Tetrapanax papyrifer), Indian Hawthorn (Rhaphiolepis ‘Spring Pearl’), Grecian Foxglove (Digitalis laevigata), and Blue Spurge (Euphorbia myrsinites). This part of the garden also features Weeping Lilly Pilly (Waterhousea floribunda ‘Warners Select’), Mexican Sage (Salvia leucantha), Mediterranean Spurge (Euphorbia characias subsp. wulfenii), and Morrison’s Maiden Grass (Miscanthus transmorrisonensis).
Clipped Indian Hawthorn (Rhaphiolepis indica) and lavender spheres contrast with Lilyturf (Liriope giganteum), Reeves’ Meadowsweet (Spiraea cantoniensis), and Pale Purple Coneflower (Echinacea pallida), bringing texture and movement to the front garden. Southern Magnolias (Magnolia grandiflora ‘Alta’™), Chinese Elm (Ulmus parvifolia ‘Todd’), Red Flame Tree (Brachychiton populneus × acerifolius ‘Jerilderie Red’), and Crepe Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica ‘Tuscarora’) add height and seasonal colour. Fan Palms (Licuala ramsayi), Chusan Palms (Trachycarpus fortunei), and screening from Lilly Pilly (Waterhousea floribunda) and Portuguese Laurel (Prunus lusitanica) complete the layered composition.
