The renovation of the tower and water basin at the top of the Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens is finally underway. Vistors to the Gardens who park at the top, will see the ongoing construction work as they wind their way through to the Cafe and other amenities.
Initiated by the Friends of Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens in 2020, the Day Basin, including the tower, is part of their overall project called “Enhancing the Visitor Experience at the Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens”. A number of areas of the gardens, including the Basin and the fernery had fallen into disrepair over time.
Landscape architecs Ashley Sheldrake and Annette Warner of GbLA landscape architects provided the plans and costings for the project.
Funding for the to revitalise the gardens in line with the plans that were developed has come from the Victorian Government, Hepburn Shire and The Friends .
The restoration of the Day Basin, now underway, so it can hold water again, is an important element of the project.
Brickwork, fencing, repair of the tower and a rill (channel) to the fernery cascade are in progress.
Work previously completed for the overall project includes the stone steps near the fernery and the Af Headland Conservatory (where Begonias are displayed) have been completed.
The Day Basin, the Fernery and the Cascade are the final parts of the project. It is hoped the Day Basin will be officially opened at the end of July or early August.
