Can I tell you a secret? Shoyoen, our Japanese Garden is well-known about town. However very few people are aware it came about after some strong influence and inspiration from ‘Ju Raku En,’ the Toowoomba Japanese Garden. The name means long life and happiness in a public garden.
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Ju Raku En is now 35 years old which means it has come into its own right as an established garden. It covers four hectares and has all the aspects of an ancient, mediaeval and eighteenth century mix of garden forms.
There is a mountain stream and a five metre high waterfall, water-worn stones, stroll paths opening onto new vistas, cherry blossoms, irises, maples, an artificial lake, bridges, pebble beach, artificial mountains, and the famous Dry Garden with white pebbles raked in patterns to simulate the waves of the sea.
It is said that it takes 30 years to create a Japanese Garden. Age is the deciding factor for this type of Open Space planning. Meanwhile the Dubbo Garden is 14 years old and so has 16 years to go. Just when it all seemed so familiar Shoyoen has this other card up its sleeve.
Created to give appeal through beauty and serenity, Shoyoen has all the main features to deliver the goods. As described by Yuzo Minami, chief garden designer for Shimoden Landscaping Company in Okayama, Japan back in 1991, “understanding this style of garden involves study of traditional Japanese forms dating back to the fourteenth century and evolving over time.”
While Shoyoen has its own chief garden designers from our sister city of Minokamo, it is satisfying to see how well our design matches the ‘type.’
We have a smaller one of finely layered elements.
And just how successful are we in achieving a tranquil, beautiful garden scene? Many of our visiting public have first person travel experience in Japan.
You may decide. Take into account that Shoyoen received the 2015 Tripadvisor Winner Certificate of Excellence with a guest rating of four point five. Visitors continue to gush with enthusiasm.
All this and we still have 16 years to go before we are even considered established.