by Gail Thomas.
Wirruna Nursery
‘EDNA WALLING you’d have loved us! We specialise in rare and old-fashioned plants for gardens of yore, building over thirty years, a reputation of knowing and growing plants for gardens in the 1800’s.’
Many will have fond memories of this advert for Wirruna Nursery at Wallington on Victoria’s Bellarine Peninsula. Founders Judy and John Bailey were highly respected for the expertise and professionalism, with their involvement and valued contributions to professional horticultural groups, local tourism, schools and education. They generously shared their knowledge, training apprentices who have gone on to create their own successful careers and also assisted and inspired home gardeners. The Baileys sold Wirruna in 1997 and, following prolonged drought and industry pressures in Victoria the nursery finally closed in 2007.
The Friends of the Geelong Botanic Gardens held a farewell lunch at the Geelong Club for the Baileys who then retired to Raeleigh near Coffs Harbour. In more recent years the couple lived at Coolum Beach. John sadly passed away in December 2021 and news has recently come though that Judy passed away peacefully at a hospice in a beautiful floral bushland setting which she appreciated, in October 2025, aged ninety-one.
Judy and John both came from rural backgrounds and in the early years of their marriage lived in a house that belonged to Judy’s grandparents at Wallington. In 1957 the couple purchased a seven-hectare almost bare block, with just two native trees, next door to where they were living.
They planted an organic apple and pear orchard, selling the produce to Melbourne’s Victoria market as well as in Geelong, with the nursery starting out as a hobby. They bought their first professional ‘Waldor’ greenhouse in 1961, and in around 1964 moved into their west-facing house positioned on a hill looking into gully to capture the sunsets. They called the property ‘Wirruna’, Aboriginal for setting sun.
The business began in 1963 with Judy selling indoor plants and a plant hire service. In 1967, with three children, John was employed as a quarantine officer and horticulture inspector with the Department of Agriculture, and the couple joined the Geelong Field Naturalists Club, acquiring a shelter licence to care for orphaned and maimed birds and animals.
With the house being situated on the edge of a limestone quarry, in the 1970’s they created a sunken garden. Wirruna developed an extensive collection of old-fashioned plants, setting up a relationship with various National Trust gardens.
Unfashionable plants such as Wigandia caracasana lost to the nursery trade were reintroduced by Judy after discovering them in the Geelong Botanic Gardens. She also contributed to the establishment of the Gardens perennial border, and the influence also spread to the replanting of the Heritage rose beds.
The Baileys also grew trees in tubes, supplying Alcoa for their afforestation program at Point Henry and Anglesea as well as to local Shires and the general public.
In 1982, the couple decided to sell the nursery and retire to Queensland due to Judy’s ill health. Their son Phillip who was a horticulturalist and landscape designer stayed on to manage the nursery but following problems with the sale settlement and the failing of the new owner’s management, they bought back the business and returned in 1985, with the following years heralded as a great success for the Baileys.
The nursery and picturesque display garden boasted comprehensive array of rare and hard-to-find plants, a small creek was dammed to provide a home to birdlife while the garden became a popular setting for marriage ceremonies.
Wirruna participated in the Australian Open Garden Scheme in 1994 and 1997, in 1996 the inclusion of a Japanese designed garden highlighted a style of landscaping with plants, Japanese lanterns and water features. The nursery featured on Burke’s Backyard TV show,
Judy was a foundation member of the Friends of Geelong Botanic Gardens and also served on the Geelong Botanic Gardens and Eastern Park Advisory Committee in 1996.
The spirit of Wirruna Nursery lives on today in the memories of many gardeners as do those special and rare plants originating from their nursery, that thrive in the grounds of both public and private gardens far and wide. Judy and John Bailey created a wonderful environment at Wirruna. Their dedicated enthusiasm, knowledge and contributions to so many aspects of the horticultural community over many years will never be forgotten, and it has left us with a rich and wonderful legacy from having known this amazing couple.
Photos by Gail Thomas
