By Shamsiya Hussainpoor
May Moon MBE, Edna Walling, and Kath Deery – three pioneering women whose contributions have shaped the Karwarra Australian Native Botanic Garden in Kalorama – are among the shortlisted nominees for the second round of the Victorian Women’s Public Art Program.
The program, which invites the public to vote on which women’s stories should be immortalised through public art, highlights the vital role these women played in the conservation of native Australian flora and the creation of one of Victoria’s most treasured gardens.
In 1950, May Moon founded the ‘Save the Dandenongs League, determined to protect the natural beauty of the Dandenong Ranges from growing threats.
Her efforts led to the buy-back of land for conservation, a critical move in preserving the area’s environmental integrity.
Moon’s advocacy paved the way for the establishment of the Karwarra Garden in 1965, when she teamed up with Edna Walling, one of Australia’s foremost garden designers, to transform two hectares of weedy ex-farmland into a sanctuary for Australian native plants.
Shelley Graham, a gardener at Karwarra Australian Native Botanic Garden, said May was a driving force in conservation, along with Edna, she helped launch the ambitious project of clearing the land and creating the garden.
“Edna’s expertise in design really helped shape the space into what it is today, and her influence is still visible in the rockery and layout of the garden,” Ms Graham said.
Walling, known for her distinctive approach to landscape design, worked closely with the local community to clear the land, transforming it into a space that would showcase the beauty of native Australian plants in an innovative way.
Her legacy lives on in the garden’s structure, where meandering paths and carefully placed rocks create a harmonious environment that celebrates both form and function.
Kath Deery, an influential Australian plant designer, played a key role in shaping the garden’s aesthetic from 1978 to 1984.
Known for her creative approach to garden design, Deery was responsible for adding layers of foliage, creating naturalistic drifts of plants, and designing the distinctive ponds that remain a highlight of Karwarra today.
“Kath’s work really set the tone for the garden,” Ms Graham said.
“Her design style, with its meandering paths and raised garden beds, has made Karwarra a unique and inspirational place for visitors. She really focused on creating a naturalistic look, where plants could grow together in harmony.”
The legacy of these three women has not only contributed to the preservation of native plants but has also inspired countless gardeners across the country.
As one of the few gardens in the region dedicated solely to Australian flora, Karwarra stands as a testament to their vision and dedication.
Now, their work is being recognised as part of the Victorian Women’s Public Art Program, which seeks to address the underrepresentation of women in public art.
Fewer than two per cent of statues in Melbourne’s public spaces depict women, and the program aims to redress this imbalance by celebrating the achievements of women like Moon, Walling, and Deery.
Women Minister Natalie Hutchins said celebrating the excellence and leadership of Victorian women through public art is a powerful way to show future generations of women what is possible.
“If you can see it, you can be it,” Ms Hutchins said.
“Creating a permanent record of the excellence and leadership of Victorian women shows future generations of women and girls what is possible – if you can see it, you can be it.”
“As we can only choose six, I hope by opening the decision-making process to the public we can expose even more people to the stories of inspiring Victorian women who all deserve to be celebrated and remembered.”
The public is invited to vote on which of the 13 shortlisted women’s stories should be commemorated through the next round of the program.
In addition to Moon, Walling, and Deery, other notable women from across Victoria are also on the list, each of whom has left a lasting impact on the state.
“It would be wonderful to see these women recognised with public art,” Ms Graham said.
“Their work at Karwarra has made a lasting impact, not just on the garden but on how we value and celebrate Australian plants. This recognition would bring even more attention to their achievements and hopefully inspire future generations.”
The artworks, funded through the Government’s $1.2 million investment in the Victorian Women’s Public Art Program, will be chosen based on a variety of factors, including public feedback, the diversity of the stories represented, and the longevity of the proposed artworks.
To have your say and learn more about the shortlisted women, visit: engage.vic.gov.au/womens-public-art-program
