THERE is a new way to enter the Shoyoen Gardens at Dubbo thanks to the installation of a gate sent directly from Japan.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Apprentice landscapers from Dubbo City Council have worked tirelessly for a week to create the majestic gate, identical to Dubbo's sister city Minokamo, to which the garden is based.
The gate was the missing feature of the three-year-old garden which until now was bordered with a metal, barbed wire fence
Dubbo City Council director of parks and landcare Murray Wood said Japanese building company Aiwa Co. Ltd designed it and sent the materials to Dubbo last week.
"It took about two weeks to get it shipped over from Japan but we've been working on it all this week," he said.
"Building on the good success of the Shoyoen Garden, our tradesmen have been working closely with the Aiwa landscapers, who are very traditional with their methods and who pay attention to detail."
Dubbo landscaping apprentice Ayla Barker said it was a "different and interesting experience" to work with the Japanese landscapers.
"I've learnt a lot from them and the way they use their tools and different techniques," she said.
Minokamo spokeswoman Keiko McLennan said the gate designer was the same man who designed the Japanese Tea House at Shoyoen.
"In Japan, all the temples and gardens have a gate which gives it more importance," she said.
"The gate will make the Shoyoen Garden at Dubbo more beautiful and will be the garden's landmark for years to come."
The new gate has continued with Dubbo City Council's efforts to retain its authenticity.
Mr Wood said council would keep working together with Minokamo in order.