Brechin Gardens/Holly Green Trees
352-410 Princes Highway and Brechin Drive,FOUNTAIN GATE, Casey City
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Statement of Significance
The site of Brechin (later 'Holly Green'), comprising the remnant mature trees generally adjacent to Brechin Drive, Narre Warren.
How is it Significant?
The site of 'Brechin' is of local historic and aesthetic significance to the City of Casey.
Why is is Significant?
Historically, the remnant mature trees are significant as the only elements associated with the former Brechin homestead, now demolished, which was the home of the locally important Webb family. The provide evidence of the magnificent garden for which the former Brechin was famous. (AHC criteria A4, D2 and H1)
Aesthetically, the trees are significant as fine examples of their type, which are local landmarks within the Narre Warren area because of their size and prominent siting. Although the layout and context of the former Brechin garden is lost and the setting of the remnant trees is greatly diminished by later development, the magnificent size and form of the trees provides an evocative reminder of the wonderful garden that once existed on this site. (AHC criterion E1)
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Brechin Gardens/Holly Green Trees - Usage/Former Usage
Residential, park
Brechin Gardens/Holly Green Trees - Physical Description 1
The site of 'Brechin' (former 'Holly Green') is now set aside as a park adjacent to Brechin Drive. Outside of the park, there are also a number of individual mature trees, as well as a Pin Oak avenue leading to the Princes Highway. The following trees have been identified:
- Bunya Bunya Pine (Araucaria bidwillii) There are two specimens: one just outside the park, and the larger of the two inside the park. Both are visible on the skyline from the Princes Freeway. Condition fair.
- Algerian Oak (Quercus canariensis): a massive tree in quite good condition.
- Norfolk Island Hibiscus or Pyramid Tree (Lagunaria patersonia). This is a large specimen of this coastal species in quite good condition. It is located just inside the east entrance to the park.
- A large healthy specimen of Scarlet Oak (Quercus aff. coccinea)
- A pair of Himalayan or Bhutan Cypress (Cupressus torulosa). These are located outside the park area on the east side of Brechin Drive.
- A short and uneven avenue of Pin Oak (Quercus palustris). This leads from the park toward the Princes Highway and presumably marks the former entrance driveway to the house.
The older trees on the site probably date from the late nineteenth century, and are likely to be associated with the Webb ownership, although some could be older. The very large Algerian Oak has a trunk much larger in girth than any others in Berwick. It is unlikely the hilltop site was specially favourable for growth and this tree could date back to the 1860s. However, there is no way of establishing this without historical photographs.
It is not known whether any of the layout of the garden survives.Brechin Gardens/Holly Green Trees - Intactness
The overall integrity of the original garden layout is low, but elements such as the Pin Oak avenue can still be discerned.
Heritage Study and Grading
Casey - Casey Heritage Study
Author: Context Pty Ltd
Year: 2004
Grading: LocalCasey - Heritage of the City of Berwick
Author: Context Pty Ltd
Year: 1993
Grading:
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Narre Warren Town Centre & RailwayCasey City
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