MCMC is proud to have played a part in the creation of an indigenous grassland at the National Gallery of Victoria. The garden, which formed part of the In Absence installation, showcases an expanse of Kangaroo Grass, Murnong and Poa behind the main NGV (International) building. 

We provided specialist advice to Melbourne architecture studio Edition Office on cultural and sustainability matters and detailed technical information, on site preparation and a plant list.

Our experience of delivering the Learning Grounds program formed the basis for much of our advice. Learning Grounds assists schools and community groups to develop indigenous gardens. We could also help your school or group to establish an indigenous garden - just contact us.

In Absence, a collaboration by contemporary Indigenous artist, Yhonnie Scarce with Edition Office, consisted of a 9 metre high timber tower that was designed to evoke the design of traditional eel traps. The internal voids of the tower were adorned with 1600 hand-blown black glass murnong. The surrounding landscape of basalt and grassland referenced over 3,000 generations of Australian Indigenous communities’ practices of sophisticated toolmaking, design, construction and agriculture. The structure and glass works are no longer on site, but for now, the grassland remains to delight visitors.

The photo below shows part of the timber installation and some of the tubestock planted in 2019.