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Wooleen Garden

Location

18 Mitchell Street, BENALLA VIC 3672 - Property No G13064

File Number

G13064

Level

State

Statement of Significance

Wooleen, a garden developed by Mr and Mrs Laurence Ledger to an original plan of 1938 by Edna Walling, embellished by rockwork from the hand of Ellis Stones, and carefully maintained by the Ledger's to the present, is of State significance:

- as an outstanding work by Edna Walling exemplifying her mature work in the informal style; major attributes include the intact layout of the garden, sweeping lawns, mature trees, rock work (executed by Ellis Stones), and detailed planting in keeping with Walling's original scheme;

- for its collection of trees, shrubs and other planting characteristic of the work of Walling;

- for its retention of garden elements including rock retaining walls, stone steps and paths, fences and cement ornaments by Walling;

- for its considerable aesthetic appeal, especially the manner in which the design creates a wonderful sense of space and distance within the confines of a relatively small allotment;

- for the survival of the original watercoloured plan of 1937 and the oral history provided by the Ledger's which forms documentation for the garden and planting scheme;

- for its contribution to the streetscape of Mitchell and Church Streets, a precinct of Edwardian residences and religious buildings of high regional importance; and

- historically, for its integral links with the Ledger family, prominent in Benalla's pastoral, mercantile and cultural development.

Group