Balgowan (meaning "daisies on the hill") today is 120 acre stud beef cattle farm. Until 1983 it was owned by the Algie family for three generations and then sold to the current owners. In 1878 Matthew Algie who lived at "Emu Bottom" Sunbury purchased the original homestead and outbuildings (bullock sheds, blacksmith shop, milking shed and dairy, all long gone), which stood between the Stone Pines
which were planted for protection from the east wind and the Elms to the west. Those trees date from 1878, as do the remaining orchard trees; Walnut, Hazelnut, Pear and Cherry Plums. Dear old friends are the Orange and Camellia (both over 120 years of age) and still bearing fruit and flowers. The present house and barn were built in 1903 – 1905 for Mr Thomas Algie, a son of Matthew. In front of the house you will see a fully grown Holly Tree and an old Camellia from that time. The croquet lawn on the northern side of the house was used as the first bowling green at Neerim South. Surrounding that lawn there are a Golden Elm and Golden Ash, Gingko a variety of Palm trees and English Box border. You will see on the southern side of the house a fine Angophora, Sheoak, Manna Gum, English Oak, Japanese Maple and Mt Fuji Cherry Blossom trees. Apart from the old trees still existing, most of the garden has been extensively replanted over the years. From about 1950, Mr Dave & Mrs Evie Algie extended the garden, laid out the front driveway and planted many more trees. The current owners have cotinued this work including; the Wild Wood Walk and Little Beech Forest on the southern boundary of the home black, the Chestnut, Crab Apple and Privet Walks; park-like planting of rare and Victorian era trees including, Bunya Pine, Hoop Pine, Monkey Puzzle Pine, Dawn Redwood, Sequoia Giganteum, Moreton Bay Fig, Magnolia Grandiflora, Tulip, Linden and Dogwood Trees and many types of Cedars and Oaks. To ensure the massive Stone Pines continue to be a presence, seed has been collected and planted by the owners and neighbours. It has been a challenge to keep the garden in order as rabbits, wombats, possums and the peacocks have their own way of helping in the garden. Visitors are encouraged to walk out under the Elms and beyond for a scenic view of the Tarago Reservoir and surrounding district, returning back along the Wild Wood Walk to the carpark. Children will see cows and young calves, fantail pigeons, peacocks and Mia the very friendly dog. You are most welcome to have a picnic in our garden!
