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Darwin Botanic Gardens
Permanent Declaration
Place
The 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.
The 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. Nicholas Holtze took over from his father in 1892 when Maurice became curator of the Adelaide Botanic Gardens. Both Maurice and Nicholas 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.

The Gardens are important for social and recreational value. They are an important part of the broader cultural landscape of Darwin. Their position in the wet/dry tropics and the living collection contributes some scientific significance.

From 1970 until 1990 the Darwin Botanic Gardens were under the care of George Brown who later resigned to take up the office of Lord Mayor of Darwin.
11/04/1994
29/09/1994
Comment sought
30/04/1997
06/09/1997
21/05/1997
H96/0045
Historic & Natural
Darwin Municipality
Designated Lot 6511(A)
H94/0008 Part one of file
H96/0045 Part two of file
Major botanical and agricultural area est 1886
Photo
   
NameDescriptionDate Added
ViewDwnBotanicGdns_LR2.JPGHeritage Lawn12/JUL/21
ViewDwnBotanicGdns_LR1.JPGWelcome Sign12/JUL/21
ViewDwnBotanicGdns_LR3.JPGHoltze Lawn12/JUL/21
ViewDwnBotanicGdns_LR4.JPGFormer Wesleyan Church (Relocated)12/JUL/21
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Scan
   
NameDescriptionDate Added
ViewInstrument.pdf - 10/FEB/09
1 - 1
Further Information
   
NameDescriptionDate Added
ViewGeorge Brown Botanic Gardens.pdfFactsheet15/DEC/11
1 - 1
Approximate Location
   
LAIS KeyStreet NumberStreet NameSuburbLocation CodeLot NumberLTO PlanPartTenure
200 06524 200GARDENSTHE GARDENS2006524 - - Freehold
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Status Explanations
   

Nomination Period - a nomination has been accepted by Heritage Branch, but has not yet been accepted by the Heritage Council; OR a nomination has been accepted by the Heritage Council but the place/object has not yet been subject to a heritage assessment.

Assessment Period - a nomination has been accepted by the Heritage Council and the place/object is in the process of being assessed.

Consultation Period - Heritage assessment has been completed and s24 of the Act has been instigated, ie comment has been sought on a proposal to declare the place/object.

Recommendation Period - the Heritage Council has made a recommendation to declare the place/object and the Minister's final decision is awaited.

Not Recommended - a decision has been made by the Heritage Council not to recommend to the Minister that a place/object be declared

Declared - the Minister has made a decision to declare the place/object

Refused - the Minister has refused to declare the place/object