Our Story
Beautiful Bolobek
Bolobek is a working farm, with glorious gardens and a very rich social and agricultural history.
Bolobek lies at the foot of the Macedon Ranges only 60 km or 1 hour from Melbourne. The property is listed on the Victorian Heritage Register as being of “aesthetic, architectural, historic and horticultural importance to the State of Victoria”
Our History
Bolobek is a First Nations word meaning undulating. Old maps of the district show an area clearly marked as the Bolobek Swamp. The swamp provided a significant source of food for indigenous people until it was drained in the 19th century. Bolobek is the site of an axe grinding rock used in the past by the Wurundjeri people.
The Syme Family
The farm now known as Bolobek was created when Oswald Syme, the youngest son of David Syme, founder of the Melbourne Age purchased adjoining parcels of land between 1920 and 1914. These two former pastoral runs, Turitable and Woolling were originally settled around 1839. Near the site of the original Woolling Homestead there are surviving Pear Trees that we estimate to be more than 150 years old.
It is understood that the Symes moved into the newly completed house at Bolobek in January 1911. Oswald’s wife Mildred was, according to her descendants, a very keen gardener and is believed to have been responsible for the layout of the original garden. Many of the trees and shrubs that were planted during the Syme tenure survive today, as does what is believed to be the original garden plan. The Syme family owned Bolobek for almost 60 years running beef and dairy cattle and sheep and employing a large number of local people on the farm, in the garden and in the house. The Family was well known for numerous charity events, and tennis and garden parties held here.
1910 - 1969
The Law-Smith Family
Bolobek was sold in 1969 to Robert and Joan Law-Smith. They demolished the old house and many of the outbuildings, and built a new much smaller house, designed by Phyllis and John Murphy, in almost exactly the same position as the original Edwardian house. The new house has large windows many of which open directly onto the garden, ‘bringing the garden into the house’. The Law-Smiths’ continued to maintain the property as an agricultural enterprise
Joan Law-Smith was a talented gardener, botanical artist and writer. Under the stewardship of Lady Law-Smith the garden became very well known, hosting visitors including royalty and many international dignitaries. It was one of the first gardens to be opened under the auspices of Open Gardens Australia in 1983 having previously opened only for the NGV Women’s Association.
1969 - 1990
The property was sold in 1995 and passed through a series of owners until it was bought by Greville and Jill Edgerton in 2002. The Edgertons began a rescue operation of the garden and property both of which had been neglected immediately prior to their ownership.
2002 - 2006
The Edgerton Family
The property was sold again in 2006 to Brigid and Hugh Robertson who have committed to preserving and enhancing the garden and property. The years from 2006 to 2008 were spent largely observing the garden across the various seasons. In 2008 at the peak of the millennial drought, the garden was opened again for the first time in more than two decades for Open Gardens Australia and over 6000 people came to visit.
Over the last 16 years many, many restoration works have been undertaken in the garden and on the farm. Tens of thousands of trees have been planted on the property including many native plantations, and Oak Avenues to replace the old Pine Avenues. A significant waterway replanting project was undertaken with Melbourne Water which started the transformation of the centre of the property. The Robertsons continue to farm the property on which they produce Angus Cattle and Prime Lambs. In 2022 we were proud to receive Responsible Wool Standard Accreditation. This is a global accreditation which recognises farming best practices and makes sure that Wool comes from farms that take a progressive approach to land management and respect animal welfare at the same time ensuring a strong chain of custody for certified materials as they move along the supply chain.
Since 2013, Bolobek has hosted the Garden Lovers Fair, an annual event held on the first weekend of October, with more than 45 stallholders selling everything from rare plants to garden tools and other garden-related items. The garden is also host in Spring and Autumn to various garden tour groups.
2006 - Today
The Robertson Family
“My family welcome you to Bolobek.”
Brigid Robertson | Owner, Bolobek