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A Horticultural History of late 19th Century Mount Macedon

Join us for this opportunity to see the documentary film on the horticultural history of the late 19^th century Mount Macedon by Elizabeth Langslow. Elizabeth will also discuss the making of the film.

Learn how Australia’s most significant and beautiful collection of late 19th-century gardens began. Discover the realities of large-scale deforestation, and the influence of the plant-hunting movements on local nurseries and garden design. The film also considers the botanical ideas of Baron Ferdinand von Mueller, whose interest in Mount Macedon and advocacy for plant acclimatisation helped shape the region’s developing garden culture.

We chat tree-side with an arborist climbing a towering sequoia, uncover the secrets of a 150-year-old garden, and visit the home of celebrated 19th century botanical artist, Ellis Rowan.

Renowned local horticulturalist, Stephen Ryan, also explores how the botanical legacy of Mount Macedon continues to shape its gardens today.

Botanical Visions is a community film project directed and produced by Elizabeth Langslow.

This film is in partnership with The Gisborne and Mount Macedon District Historical Society and is supported by The Public Records Office of Victoria.

Filmed on the lands of the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung, Taungurung and Dja Dja Wurrung Peoples.

DATE: Tuesday 28 April 2026

TIME: 11:00 am to 1:30 pm, following the talk a light lunch will be served.

COST: Bookings essential for catering;   Members: $30.00     Non-Members: $35.00

LOCATION: Mueller Hall, located in the National Herbarium building at the Royal Botanic Gardens, situated near the Oak Lawn and Western Lawn

PARKING: Park along Birdwood Avenue (parking will generally costs $4.00 per hour)

PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Tram Stop 19 - Shrine of Remembrance on St Kilda Road - Trams 3/31, 5, 6, 16, 64, 67 and 72

ENQUIRIES: Robyn Teed – 0447256518

Date

Location

Mueller Hall
National Herbarium, RBG Birdwood Av, Melbourne Vic 3004

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