Open Gardens Victoria will open The Oaks, a stunning City of Ballarat garden for the first time.
A beautiful 3500 sqm garden located in one of Ballarat’s most beautiful and iconic suburbs, The Oaks is just five minutes walk from the city’s famous Lake Wendouree and the historic Ballarat Botanical Gardens. Owners Harry and Alison Zehnwirth built the house in 1989, establishing a garden that had its origins in 1856 as part of St Ernan's homestead.
“The garden has a park-like feel thanks to the four majestic oaks planted by a previous landowner,” says award-winning local landscape designer and television host Paddy Milne, who recently completed a rejuvenation of the garden.
The grand old oaks are estimated to be around 160 years old and not only set the tone for the property but have provided integral microclimates for shade-loving plants, in particular the drift of dogwoods along the driveway.
The garden is first and foremost a family space, where the owners' four children, friends, cousins and now grandchildren enjoy summer water slides, tennis, cricket, football and cycling around the border track. Whether sitting on the terraces or under the trees The Oaks provides a tranquil oasis.
The owner’s proceeds from this opening will be donated to the Ballarat Botanical Gardens Foundation.
