Wirra Willa Gardens, Armadale

Statement of Significance

The place is an attractive private garden located on a steeply sloping site in the foothills of the Darling Ranges, and, with its picturesque arrangement of exotic and native plant species, is an impressive example of a 1940s Paradise Garden style. The place was developed and expanded over an 80 year period by a number of different owners, including the original designers, Leah Whitehead and Evelyn Broadhead, as well as the Marsh, Hargraves and Barrett families. The garden contains a significant collection of exotic plant species that are rare in Western Australia, but survive by virtue of the property’’s unique microclimate.

Physical Description

Wirra Willa is located on a steeply sloping site in the foothills of the Darling Ranges and comprises a substantial landscaped garden originally designed in the Paradise Garden style, exhibiting characteristics typical of the style such as informal planning, a picturesque arrangement of both native and exotic species, and the use of simple structural elements and topography to create effect. The landscape is divided into a number of smaller spaces, differentiated by plant species and stylistic features such as parterres, fences and archways. The garden has a diversity of flora including exotics from America, Africa and Europe such as Golden Ash, Claret Ash, Persimmons, Chorisa, Magnolia, Camellias, Rhododendrons and Azaleas.

History

‘‘Wirra Willa’’ (previously known as ‘‘Katta Mia’’) is a 1.4 hectare property (Pt. Location 31, Vol. 1071), that was originally part of John Adams’’ (1838) 8,000 acre Loc. 31 Canning River grant. Later owners included Henry Vincent, Thomas Middleton, and Thomas Saw (from 1865). In 1906, ‘‘Wirra Willa’’ was part of a subdivided portion of 1919 acres; in 1911, of 1862 acres; in 1913, of 1902 acres; and, in 1914, of 1316 acres. In the latter year, the property was transferred to William Edward Saw. In 1916, (what is now) ‘‘Wirra Willa’’ was part of a 1100 acre property; in 1926, of 280 acres owned by Hector Lionel Saw. The latter property was transferred to Arthur Harcourt Mack in 1927. 240 acres of this land was purchased by Armadale Quarries in 1934, of which 20 acres was transferred to Rhoda Matilda Billing in 1936. A reduced portion of this land (3.25 acres) was transferred to Leah Barbara Whitehead and Evelyn Mabel Broadley in 1940. Leah Whitehead and Evelyn Broadley had already begun to develop the present garden some five years earlier, while tenants of the house on the land. In this period, the property was known as ‘‘Katta Mia’’, or ‘‘house on the side of the hill’’. In 1953, the property was transferred to Leah Barbara Whitehead and Violet Lewis and, in the following year, to William and Janet Marsh. In 1961, ‘‘Katta Mia’’ was taken over by James and Mary Hargraves. The Marsh and Hargraves families continued to plant mainly European flora, with some native species. Since taking possession of the property in 1977, Ron and Joy Barrett have introduced American and African xerophytic and mesophytic species to the garden, as well as building on the existing base of plantings. The Barretts renamed the property ‘‘Wirra Willa’’, or ‘‘place of green trees’’. The garden is now a series of ‘‘gardens within a garden’’, having ‘‘Woodland’’, ‘‘Cottage’’, ‘‘Native Bush’’, ‘‘Tropical’’, ‘‘Conifer’’, ‘‘Palm’’, ‘‘Bamboo’’ and ‘‘Fruit and Nut’’ themed sections. Parts of the garden also take advantage of the high tree canopy (mainly Eucalyptus rudis and E. marginata species) to provide ideal conditions for Azaleas, Rhododendrons and Camellias. A large range of bulbs, and a mass of other seasonal flowering plants, is also planted throughout the gardens. In addition, the garden shelters numerous bird species, which assist with the biological control of insect pests. Recently, work has focused on ‘‘stone pitching’’ the creek bed, following several summer incidents of flooding; the construction of walking paths; improved plant propagation facilities; and the construction of a two story workshop and office. Many of the plant species found within the garden are otherwise poorly represented in Western Australia, as the property’’s unique microclimate- a cool southern aspect, constant humidity, and rich alluvial soils- protects plants that would otherwise struggle to survive. The property is bordered on its southern side by the Neerigen Brook, which provides water to maintain the moist, humid climate necessary for the survival of the garden in summer. Surrounding the property on the eastern, southern, and western sides are City of Armadale reserves, currently managed as spaces for passive recreation. The land to the south of ‘‘Wirra Willa’’ is owned by Main Roads (W.A), but maintained as part of the City of Armadale reserves. To the west, on the other side of the Albany Highway, is Minnawarra Park, which continues the botanical themes of ‘‘Wirra Willa’’. ‘‘Wirra Willa’’ was included on the Register of the National Estate in October 1980 for its significance in demonstrating ‘‘a 1940s paradise garden style’’. It was regarded as ‘‘aesthetically significant’’ for ‘‘creating dense green internal scenery with Cathedral-like spaces and as a green haven in an urban environment’’. In addition, the garden exhibited ‘‘a diversity of flora, including xerophytic and mesophytic plants, natives and exotics from America, Africa and Europe, all of which are uncommon in the Perth Region’’.

Integrity/Authenticity

High High

Condition

Good

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update