Garden History Archive

In 2000, the State Library of Victoria and the Australian Garden History Society (Victorian Branch) joined forces to establish a garden history archive to preserve Victoria's garden heritage for future generations.

Gardens occupy a special place in the lives of Victorians. Gardens of all types - from the humble vegetable patch and period cottage garden to the carefully manicured grounds of the State's grand mansions and public gardens - not only reflect the changing tastes of a community but reveal a great deal about Victoria's social and cultural history. While most gardens do not survive the rigours of time, they are preserved in the letters, diaries, photographs and ephemera left by their designers and curators.

The Library and Garden History Society welcome donations to the archive of garden-history related documents, pictures or memorabilia. Material from the archive is held in the Australian Manuscripts and Pictures collections. Inquiries about potential donations should be directed to either the Pictures or Manuscripts collection managers who will assess their suitability and organise for the material to be prepared by expert conservation staff.