The Library of the Plant Craft Cottage is named in honour of Baron Ferdinand von Mueller.  It houses a unique collection of books, magazines and original material covering botany and plant crafts.  There is also a reference collection of the Groups’ work with plants. Members of the Cottage may borrow from the library three months after becoming a member.

On January 6th 1853, Dr. Ferdinand Mueller was appointed as Victoria’s 1st Government Botanist.  It seems probable that he and his sisters Bertha and Clara occupied at least a portion of the Cottage over the next four years.  In 1857 Dr. Mueller succeeded John Dallachy as Director of the Gardens, at which time he moved into the Director’s Residence.  He was the Director of the Gardens for 16 years until 1873. In 1871 Dr. Mueller was awarded a Hereditary Baronetcy from the King of Wurtemberg, and from this time onwards was entitled to call himself Baron Ferdinand von Mueller.

Click photo for more information