RETURN TO GLORY

Of truly grand scale and great historical significance, this landscape has an ever-evolving story to tell

One of Melbourne's finest period homes, Invergowrie, a stunning. example of Gothic Revival architecture, was built in 1851 and sits within an established parkland-meticulously-maintained garden. The style, residence, which claims one of the highest points in Hawthorn, has long been a local landmark, admired for its architectural grandeur. Today, it is equally admired for the landscaped grounds that envelop it.

As with any garden of great age, it has evolved over the years with each new owner and landscaper shaping its progress and adding their own touch. For the past five years, Hendrik van Leeuwen, managing director of Van Leeuwen Green Horticultural Services, has been at the helm, overseeing the weekly maintenance program and working closely with his team of consultants, landscape architects and heritage advisors to plan for the garden's on-going success.

"This is a garden layered with history and character," says Hendrik, "and we wanted to respect and build on that. The brief was to bring the garden back to its glory days and, in the long-term, achieve recognition as one of Melbourne's great historical gardens. In the past, the garden had been, on occasion, open to the public and the owner hoped to be able to do that again in the future.