Wirra Willa Gardens, Armadale

Statement of Significance

Wirra Willa Gardens, Armadale, compriising an extensive Paradise style garden laid out on a steeply sloping site from the 1930s onwards, beside the Neerigen Brook with a canopy of mature native and exotic trees with dense areas of exotic under-planting dominated by camellias (Camellia spp.), azaleas (Azaleas spp.) and magnolias (Magnolia spp.) interspersed with small areas of lawn, and containing narrow, sinuous paths and driveways in a variety of materials, rock walls, a geometric rose garden (c. 1980s), and an area of predominantly native bush characterised by Wandoo (Eucalyptus wandoo) and Grass Trees (Xanthorrhoea
preissii), has cultural heritage significance for the following reasons:

the place contains the form of an excellent and extensive example of an
evolved Paradise style garden;

the Paradise garden is a rare residential example of this style in Western
Australia;

the place represents the ethos of amateur horticulturalists applying their
interest and talents to creating highly personalised and individual gardens,
which nevertheless fit within broader trends in garden design;

the place demonstrates the increasing involvement of women in amateur
horticulture and garden design, and the associated shift in garden design
philosophy that occurred after the First World War;

between 1961 and 1977, the place was developed by amateur
horticulturalist Mary Hargreaves, who was responsible for placing a
restrictive covenant on the site with the National Trust of Western Australia,
and was later instrumental in the establishment of the Araluen Botanic Park
through her role as Country Women’s Association (CWA) President;

the place contains rare mature specimens of many exotic plants that
illustrate their potential growth patterns and horticultural requirements, and
demonstrates the technical achievement of successive owners in
establishing and maintaining a collection;

the place has been a valuable source of propagation material from exotic
plants for Western Australian nurseries; and,

the place is associated with the emerging heritage movement of the 1970s
and the first attempts at covenanting land to ensure conservation for future
generations.

The place may contain rare or unusual examples of propagation material no
longer widely available.

The weatherboard, masonry and iron house, garages and outbuildings are of little
significance.

Physical Description

Wirra Willa Gardens, Armadale, comprises an extensive Paradise style garden laid out on a steeply sloping site from the 1930s onwards, beside the Neerigen Brook with a canopy of mature native and exotic trees with dense areas of exotic under-planting dominated by camellias (Camellia spp.), azaleas (Azaleas spp.) and magnolias (Magnolia spp.) interspersed with small areas of lawn, and containing narrow, sinuous paths and driveways in a variety of materials, rock walls, a geometric rose garden (c. 1980s), and an area of predominantly native bush characterised by Wandoo (Eucalyptus wandoo) and Grass Trees (Xanthorrhoea
preissii).

Integrity/Authenticity

This section explains the extent to which the fabric is in its original state.

While the planting in the Paradise garden at Wirra Willa Gardens, Armadale has been constantly added to, the underlying philosophy of creating a densely planted exotic garden under a storey of mature trees has been largely kept intact. It is apparent that there has been reduced maintenance over recent years, yet the structure planting of the garden remains largely in place. As a consequence of the remnant structure planting the garden therefore has high authenticity.

The Bushland to the north of the site is also a highly interesting and unusual space, as it has been allowed to remain somewhat free of exotic plants although a number of garden escapes have now established in this section. As self-propagated plants growing naturally in the bush, the establishment of these exotic plants from the garden provides an unusual ‘wild’ garden as typified by the juvenile self-seeded Jacaranda (Jacaranda mimosifolia) growing out of the granite rockface.

The House has low integrity. It has been highly modified both internally and externally, and it is now impossible to determine the extent of the original cottage.


This section explains the extent to which the original intention is evident, and the compatibility of current use.

Wirra Willa Gardens, Armadale has high authenticity. Until 2006, the gardens were maintained and developed as part of a residential property by successive female, amateur horticulturalists. The house, while of little significance, has high integrity on account of its ongoing capacity to be used as a residence.

Condition

Overall, the garden at Wirra Willa Gardens, Armadale is in fair condition. Previous regular maintenance has ensured that a significant majority of the plants are healthy. Thinning the canopy may be required in some areas to allow more light to plants in the understorey. Many of the paths have become uneven and requirerelaying. The lower sections of the gardens including the banks of Neeregin Brook need weeding of invasive species such as Castor Oil plants (Ricinus communis) and South African Cornflag (Chasmanthe floribunda) to avoid these plants spreading. The garden is displaying signs of significantly reduced levels of maintenance as typified by exuberant overgrowth of many plants such as the Parrot Lily (Alstroemeria pulchella) and a number of standing dead and senescent trees.

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update

Disclaimer

This information is provided voluntarily as a public service. The information provided is made available in good faith and is derived from sources believed to be reliable and accurate. However, the information is provided solely on the basis that readers will be responsible for making their own assessment of the matters discussed herein and are advised to verify all relevant representations, statements and information.