One could imagine Socrates seated on the slightly curved stone seat in this tranquil space, discussing philosophy and life with a group of rapt students. Or you could just listen to the birds at close of day, as the Australian composer Graeme Koehne did in the Spring of 2018 and was inspired to write a Piano Trio, “Socrates Garden”, based on a single bird call he heard in the garden. Commissioned by Tom Breen, it was performed at Musica Viva concerts in every capital city during 2019.

Socrates Garden has become a favourite location for wedding ceremonies. Bounded on the west by a brick garden wall with an archway that leads to the Daffodil Lawn and the lower slopes of the property, its garden beds show a variety of flowering plants, including camelias, and many annuals. To the north, a new garden bed has been established, featuring 30 tea roses (and other varietals) having been brought in from the Yarra Valley in Victoria. In Autumn the Boston Ivy on the wall behind will provide the roses with a vivid russet backdrop. Yellow Torch Lilies (Kniphofia of South African origin) also provide an alluring display in this area.