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REMNANT GARDEN

Location

Henty Highway and Brown Street BRANXHOLME, Southern Grampians Shire

File Number

567

Level

Stage 2 study complete

Statement of Significance

What is significant?
The remnant garden on the Corner of Henty Highway (Creek Street) and Brown Street is a typical nineteenth century allotment which has originally been a suburban cottage and garden. The plantings appear to be the remains of an orchard surrounding a small residence, although no structures remain on the site. Specimens of Osage Orange (Maclura pomifera), Fig (Ficus carica), Apple (Malus sp.), Pear (Pyrus comminus), and Mulberry (Morus nigra) as well as several different variety of plum (Prunus sp.) remain. An unusual planting of Hornbeams (Carpinus caroliniana) defines the eastern boundary, and part of the northern boundary. The land was first taken up by an A. Bradley, about which very little is known. It is likely that one of the later owners of the site was responsible for the planting of the orchard and other trees around the cottage (now archaelogical remains only). The garden retains a high degree of integrity, and is now in fair condition.
How is it significant?
The remnant garden is of historical significance to the Southern Grampians Shire.

Why is it significant?
The remnant garden is of historical significance as a rare surviving example of an early nineteenth century town-based orchard and garden associated with a small residence. The garden provides an insight into how we once lived, with a focus on growing our own fruits and vegetables. The specimens in the garden are also of historical interest, particularly the Osage Orange (which was not a common Australian planting from the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries) and for the use of Hornbeam as a boundary planting. The site may have further historical connections to the abandoned timber cottage and extensive orchard on the other side of the Arrandoovong Creek, which also has an unusual and extensive range of trees.

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