In the prosperous 1880s the Gardens were much improved and in 1884 the Camellia House was extended to create the 'gothic fantasy' of the Batten Fernery. The fernery was extended in stages until its completion in 1898, when it became a 'uniquely Ballarat' structure with its outstanding fern collection, cool grottos and fish ponds. Remnant footings remain exposed in the gardens west of the current fernery. The rock-walled lily pond on the south side of the Fernery was constructed in 1916.

The Batten Fernery in the 1880s

The Maze of living memory in the North Gardens was built in 1888 to the same design as the one at Hampton Court in London. It was finally removed in 1959. The first maze existed from 1862-1881 when it was cleared to make way for a large conservatory.

Lawns were laid between the the Gardens and the Lake and it became a favoured place to promenade. Every Sunday afternoon the citizens of Ballarat paraded in 'frock coats and top hats while the ladies looked fascinating in their bustles and small jet bonnets'.

The Stoddart Statues In 1884 Thomas Stoddart presented his impressive gift of 12 classical Italian marble statues to the City of Ballarat for the Ballarat Botanical Gardens. Within two years several other wealthy citizens followed his example and large sums were bequeathed in appreciation of their good fortune on the goldfields of Ballarat. Photo - Max Harris
Photo - Max Harris	The Thomson Bequest The Statuary Pavilion, in 1888, is of national historic and architectural significance. Within are 4 fine white marble statues in classical poses - Ruth, Modesty, Rebeka and Susannah as well as the larger than life 'Flight From Pompeii'. It is the centrepiece of the Thomson Bequest.

As well as the Statuary Pavilion and its contents, the Thomson Bequest also provided sufficient funds for the statue of Sir William 'Braveheart' Wallace, the great Scottish hero of the Battle of Stirling Bridge in 1297. This was chosen as a tribute to Thomson's birthplace. James Russell Thomson was a Scottish miner who arrived on the diggings in 1852 and made his fortune from goldmining. At his death in 1886 he left 3 000 pounds for statues at the Gardens.