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HISTORY

The Homestead at Braeside was built in 1905 by one of the Brownlee Brothers who milled the Rai Valley, Canvastown and Havelock Area in the late 1800's early 1900's and good heart rimu was the choice of timber. They were from Scotland, hence the Scottish name for the property with reference to the surrounding terrain. The immediate area surrounding the house was planted and maintained.
View of Braeside Homestead.
Another view of Braeside Homestead.

Following a period of sheep farming two major bush fires through the area led to the type of vegetation which is now prevalent. Gorse, broom and barberry were the first dominating regeneration which eventually gave shelter to the native trees and ferns which are now competing well with those introduced species.

The property was purchased in 1945 but not until 1980 the clearing of gorse, broom and barberry, as well as many more noxious weeds well up above the house, was started. The development was slow in the initial stages and it was difficult to remove the branches etc. so a look at nature helped. These were put to use as path edges and small retaining walls and within very short periods had decomposed and created beautiful soil. Ground covers soon covered this material and assisted with weed control.

 Bridge over dry creek bed
View of steps and surrounding garden.

As the garden progressed, bridges have been built to gain access across the creek in a number of places and seats are positioned at regular intervals along the many paths which meander throughout the three acres or so of exotic and native plantings.

There were no plans for the garden and it still grows just as areas are cleared and inspiration leads in another direction yet joins the garden up as a whole.
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