A Celebration of Nature

For many attendees, it was a rare opportunity to glimpse into the verdant and private landscapes that define “Hidden Hawthorn,” with some of these properties opening to the public for the first time.  

Marshall White was honoured to serve as the new Premium Event Partner for this remarkable event. Supporting NGVWA Garden Day this year was both a privilege and a joy, as it aligns with our commitment to community engagement and celebrating the unique beauty of Melbourne's residential landscape. To amplify the event’s reach, we strategically placed billboards throughout Melbourne, raising awareness and helping achieve a record number of ticket sales.  

One of the event’s most charming highlights was the iconic Garden Stall, which took on an especially glamorous air this year. Nestled in an English-style heritage garden, the stall was a scene from a storybook, with its gravel driveway flanked by peach-toned umbrellas, delicate climbing roses, and botanical-printed tablecloths. Volunteers wore matching aprons that became so popular they were nearly as sought after as the plants and produce on offer.  

Visitors basked under sunny skies and an atmosphere filled with warmth and community. The stall itself brimmed with carefully curated goods, from olive oil by Cobram Estate and eggs by Kinross to delicious treats from Mother Mary and Johnny Ripe. There were potted plants and fresh floral arrangements from Brooks Nursery, alongside a selection of coffee table books from Thames & Hudson. Signed editions of works by celebrated authors Paul Bangay and Annie Smithers proved to be crowd favourites, selling out quickly. 

Garden enthusiasts had the unique opportunity to engage directly with four of the renowned landscape designers: Izzy Meraviglia-Crivelli, Ian Barker, Eden Gilligan, and Hendrick Van Leeuwen, who were on hand to share insights and answer questions. Adding to the day’s community spirit, three garden owners personally greeted visitors, offering a warm welcome and a glimpse into the inspiration behind their carefully crafted landscapes. 

The event’s grand finale was an eagerly awaited raffle, featuring luxurious prizes, including a $10,000 travel voucher from Botanica World Discoveries—a fitting close to an unforgettable day.  

At Marshall White, we take great pride in supporting events that celebrate community and culture, and NGVWA Garden Day was a testament to this. It was a true pleasure to play a part in such a vibrant celebration of garden artistry and community spirit. 

NGVWA is a volunteer-led organisation that supports the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) through fundraising and community events, with the proceeds typically going towards art acquisitions, educational programs, and exhibitions at the gallery. NGVWA Garden Day is one of their signature events, inviting the public to explore private and historic gardens while raising funds for the NGV’s initiatives. Through partnerships with various sponsors and contributions from volunteers, NGVWA plays a key role in promoting arts and culture in Victoria.