A Lasting Legacy at the Ballarat Botanical Gardens Fernery
The Scape Artist is proud to have played a part in bringing the new Fernery entrance gates at the Ballarat Botanical Gardens to life, contributing to a project that celebrates local craftsmanship, community generosity and the heritage of one of Ballarat's most treasured public spaces.
The new decorative gates mark an important addition to the historic Fernery, creating a distinctive entrance that complements the character of the surrounding gardens.
A Project Built on Community Support
The project was initiated and funded by the Ballarat Botanical Gardens Foundation, using donations collected from the community over many years alongside funds raised through Foundation activities.
Working in collaboration with the City of Ballarat, the Foundation set out to create a lasting feature that would recognise the generosity of its supporters while enhancing the visitor experience.
The project also forms part of the Ballarat Botanical Gardens Master Plan 2025–2045, which identifies the introduction of decorative, botanically themed entrance gates as an important improvement to the Gardens.
Bringing the Design to Life
Designed by Andrea Proctor Landscapes, the new gates feature intricate tree fern motifs inspired by the Fernery and its surrounding landscape.
Chris Dridan, a talented steel artisan and valued member of The Scape Artist team
At the heart of the craftsmanship is Chris Dridan, whose skill and attention to detail helped bring the intricate design to life.
Chris's work transformed the botanical inspiration into a beautifully crafted steel feature, creating an entrance that celebrates both the natural surroundings and the artistry involved in its construction.
As a local Ballarat business, The Scape Artist was responsible for manufacturing and installing the gates, along with completing the associated landscaping works.
The project brought together specialist design, steel fabrication, installation and landscape construction to deliver an entrance that feels at home within the historic gardens.
A Lasting Addition to Ballarat
The Ballarat Botanical Gardens have long been an important part of the city's identity, providing a place for residents and visitors to explore, relax and connect with nature.
The new Fernery gates are more than a functional entrance. They represent the collective contributions of the Ballarat community and the importance of preserving public spaces for future generations.
For The Scape Artist, being involved in a project with such a strong connection to Ballarat's history and community is something we're particularly proud of.
We're especially fortunate to have craftspeople like Chris Dridan as part of our team, bringing specialist skills and a genuine passion for their work to projects like this.
A big thank you to the Ballarat Botanical Gardens Foundation, City of Ballarat and Andrea Proctor Landscapes for the opportunity to collaborate on such a meaningful project.
It's a piece of craftsmanship we're proud to have contributed to, and one we hope visitors will enjoy for generations to come.
Project Credits
Project: Ballarat Botanical Gardens Fernery Entrance Gates
Design: Andrea Proctor Landscapes
Steel Artisan: Chris Dridan – The Scape Artist
Manufacturing, Installation & Landscaping: The Scape Artist
Project Funding: Ballarat Botanical Gardens Foundation
Project Collaboration: City of Ballarat
Photography: Hardy Audio
Photography courtesy of Hardy Audio.
Read more about the project in the City of Ballarat's announcement, "New Fernery gates create a lasting legacy at the Ballarat Botanical Gardens", published 12 October 2026.