George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens
Heritage Place
Location
Lot 6511(A),
Town of Darwin
Gazettal Date
21 May 1997
Northern Territory Government Gazette No. G20
Description
The George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens Heritage Place contains the Lawn (a social gathering spot remembered by many long-term residents of Darwin), old fence post, triangle and rockery planned and planted by Jack Agostini, remains of the steps to the original Holtze residence, retaining wall adjacent to the original Holtze residence, portion of roadway thought to have been constructed in 1925 and a number of trees and palms.
Statement of heritage value
The George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens have historic significance as the site of major botanical and agricultural activity since 1886, for their association with the Holtze family and George Brown. The Gardens also have considerable social significance for the Darwin community and visitors alike.
Maurice Holtze was appointed Government Gardener in 1878 and successfully curated the "Experimental Nursery" and gardens first at a site near the Gaol in Fannie Bay and, after 1886, at the current site. Nicolas Holtze took over from his father in 1892 when Maurice became curator of the Adelaide Botanic Gardens. Both Maurice and Nicolas proved successful in experimenting with crops which could be grown in the Top End. Investment funds in the North were not forthcoming so much of their success was not transmitted into agricultural production. They showed however, that with due care and attention a wide variety of plant species could be grown and flourish in the tropical north.
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