History
The garden was a gift to the people of Gosford as a symbol of
cultural exchange and friendship, by our Sister City, Edogawa,
(near Tokyo in Japan).
It is designed in accordance to the original principles of Japanese
design of the Heian (700AD) period. The gardens were officially
opened in September 1994 by the Mayor of Gosford and the Mayor
of Edogawa.
This garden
is now one of the most popular tourist attractions on the NSW
Central Coast. It is based on a traditional 'Shuyu' (strolling
style) garden, and covers an area of approximatley 4000m2.
The meandering
pathways lead to traditional Japanese features including, a
Japanese teahouse, raked dry stone garden (Karesansui), stone
lanterns and a pond filled with Koi fish.
A roofed pavilion overlooking the Koi Pond is a popular choice
for wedding ceremonies. There are guided tours of the garden,
available by booking through the gallery office. These are conducted
by trained volunteer guides who skillfully explain the Japanese
aesthetics and philosophies of this garden.
The
garden is open daily from 9.30am to 4.30pm. Admission is free.
Free guided tours of the garden are conducted every Wednesday
at 11am
ELEMENTS
WITHIN A JAPANESE GARDEN
Feature
elements could comprise any number of things – waterfall
and pond, stone lantern, feature boulder, shaped tree, waterbowl,
stone island in a sea of gravel. The garden can imitate the
wider landscape in miniature by the construction of artificial
hills for tiny mountains and valleys, meandering pathways and
streams. Viewing points are essential in the Japanese garden.
The arrangement of features within the garden must consider
the different views, and what will be seen from each viewing
position.
Stone Lanterns
have been used in temples, shrines and gardens in Japan since
the 6 th century. Each style has its own unique symbolism and
significance. Often placed in gardens that are used at night.,
they line a pathway, or are positioned next to a gate or by
an entrance. Their most magical use is to create a reflection
in a pond. One of the more interesting stone lanterns, the two
legged “Kotoji”, is named for its resemblance to
the Japanese harp (Koto). It is positioned half on land and
half in the water to symbolise the interdependence of the two.
Shakkei means borrowed scenery or views. When a background view
that is outside or beyond the garden, such as a mountain or
groupings of trees are used as an integral part of the scenic
composition of the garden it is referred to as Shakkei.
With Shakkei,
not only is the view used in the garden composition, but also
the garden is designed to develop the relationship between the
garden and the view, so that the view becomes more effective.
The idea is to visually extend the boundaries of the garden
space.
Philosophy
of the Japanese garden
Chinese and Japanese philosophy tell us that ones life can be
lived more fully by being open to the universal rhythms of nature.
A Japanese garden seeks to give us a tranquil setting for meditation
and reflection.
We hope
you enjoy your visit to this garden and find pleasure in its
beauty and tranquility.
