The first stage of the design includes an ephemeral stream around the soundshell amphitheatre, an open park area with avenues and a barbecue, and five sensory gardens with walking and cycling trails.
Gargarro project convener Athol ‘Doc’ McDonald said the design - focused around sustainability, indigenous planting and water channels - reflected the beautiful dry landscapes of the Campaspe region.
“We were of the opinion that the garden had to be pretty special to work in Girgarre,” Mr McDonald said.
"And we always wanted an indigenous garden."
To bring its botanic garden to life, TCL, the most awarded landscape architecture practice in Australia, was appointed to develop the master plan.
"What really struck (designers) about the Goulburn Valley was the linear network of irrigation channels and plantings,” Mr McDonald said.
"A real patchwork, I guess.
"So they've incorporated all that into the design, including the ephemeral stream, which basically represents the natural watercourse."
The site of the garden was donated to the Girgarre community by the Heinz company after closing its processing facilities in the town in 2012.
Back then, the land sat dormant as a 12 ha agricultural paddock.
But the Girgarre community banded together and decided to repurpose the site into a botanic garden.
“We've been planning since then,” Mr McDonald said.
He hoped the garden would bring new residents to the Goulburn Valley, and act as a major attraction for tourists and Girgarre residents.
The completed soundshell amphitheatre had already been used for Girgarre events pre-COVID-19.
“It's an attractive place now, but once the garden grows around it, it's going to be fantastic and a well-used facility,” Mr McDonald said.
“And it'll certainly be another tourist drawcard for the region.”
“The design is stunning,” State Member for Euroa Steph Ryan said.
“Once it comes to life, the garden will draw people from around the state.”
Ms Ryan, who joined the first seedling plantings at Gargarro in 2016, was hopeful the state government would back the community's vision by securing funding to bring the full design to fruition.
“The Girgarre community has shown such strength and vision in pursuit of this project,” Ms Ryan said.
“The capacity of the people of Girgarre is inspiring for all regional Victorian towns that have gone through tough times and change.
“The community set about eight years ago with a big dream and the result is a bold and inspiring design.”
Ms Ryan said she looked forward to watching the project develop over many years in a town and a community that had “actively set about creating a better future for itself”.
“There’s a long way to go but it would never have reached this stage without the many individuals and community groups who have committed their time, energy and skills to the project,” Ms Ryan said.
The Gargarro Botanic Garden is a 30 minute drive from Shepparton and forms part of the Midland Botanic Garden Trail.
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