In an effort to preserve historical heritage, the Brain Watkins House Museum is undergoing a captivating transformation and a return to the vibrancy of its past, with new plantings and a freshly painted fence in a Victorian colour worthy of the site.

Tauranga Historical Society President Debbie McCauley says she is “super-excited” with this week’s weather as staff from Bunnings Mount Maunganui arrived to paint the old brown fence in Bottle Green, a colour based on 19th century glass bottles.

“It’s such a practical, lovely thing for their crew to do – giving back to the community,” says Debbie who spent five hours water blasting the fence and researched traditional Victorian colours in preparation for painting.

Bunnings Mount Maunganui community activities organiser Sarah Hartslief says Debbie asked if Bunnings could consider donating paint.

“We said we’ll come and do the painting for you.”

With five team members, and 20 litres of Suntuf paint, the fence was painted on Tuesday. The team also run free D.I.Y Kids workshops, and last year completed 39 community projects.

“Wherever possible, our teams take the opportunity to get out into the community and help with grassroots projects, like assisting with garden makeovers and providing D.I.Y. support. We also regularly donate products for community activities including raffles and fundraising events,” says Bunnings Mount Maunganui Complex Manager, Adam Chrimes.

“As a charitable non-profit society, having the workers and paint provided means so much to us,” says Debbie, who has been working on the Heritage Garden since March and had anticipated painting the fence herself.

“A Match Fund Grant from Tauranga City Council has allowed us to buy gardening tools, edge our garden with rocks in the Victorian-style, buy sheep pellets, hose trolleys, and add three heritage roses. The Elms | Te Papa Tauranga have also kindly donated plants in a continuation of the plant sharing tradition.”

Nestled on the corner of Cameron Road and Elizabeth Street, the museum’s dedication to maintaining its rich historical significance shines through, with visitors invited to step back in time and experience the story of the fledgling township of Tauranga through the eyes of an ordinary family.

The team from Bunnings Mount Maunganui in the Brain Watkins House Museum garden, with the newly painted green fence behind them. Photo: Rosalie Liddle Crawford.

The house and heritage garden have been cared for by the Society since 1979 with guides opening the building to the public on Sundays from 2pm to 4pm.

“There has been an expected drop in visitor numbers recently with the front gate being closed off due to the Cameron Road upgrade, but this allows us time to prepare for our Brain Watkins Garden Party on Sunday 5 November.”

The Heritage Garden includes the oak trees planted in 1881 that line the driveway, pōhutukawa, nīkau, kōwhai , rimu, karaka, ponga,and pear trees from the 1920s. Flowers also feature strongly with two rare camellias planted around 1900, a magnolia, and a variety of roses, including Souvenir de Madame Leonie Viennot planted in 1897.

With meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to preserving the garden’s heritage and past, the Brain Watkins House Museums’ rejuvenated garden and newly painted fence stand as a testament to the enduring importance of cultural preservation.