The garden as visitors see it today results from Dr. James Broadbent’s analysis of detailed research by the VAMI; compilation by Adshead & McQuie of information in surveyor’s field notebooks from 1894 and 1911; archaeology by Maddy Atkinson; plus family photographs owned by Fripp descendants.

This research has confirmed the original outlines of garden beds and the location of the now vanished summer house, pergola and fernery. One plant survives from the Greenlaw’s time

The rebuilding and planting of the landscape using material selected from nineteenth century nursurymen’s catalogues and other records has been carried out by Eagles Contracting and the public has generously helped with sourcing hard-to-find plants.

As the garden continues to grow and take on the form of its predecessor in the late nineteenth century it will be a fitting reminder of the great contribution of Sir Rupert Hamer to the cultural life of Victoria and provide an elegant setting appropriate to a significant nineteenth century building.

Based on notes by Jessie Serle.