Pathways: Take a trip around our ! The zigzag bridge at the western entrance is designed to prevent evil spirits from following a NORTH COAST REGIONAL visitor into the garden. Note also that all paths are BOTANIC GARDEN curved, as evil spirits can only travel in a straight line, and thus are thwarted by bends and twists. COFFS HARBOUR

The Japanese

Rocks reflect the mountains to the west Garden

A place for children: On the first Sunday in May every year we hold the A place for reflections Japanese Festival for Children, where Koinobori (carp) kites donated by Sasebo fly over the lake, bridge and northern oval. and contemplation The spiral labyrinth is a very popular place for children to explore.

Labyrinth and Koinobori kites.

Reflections of the bridge and Koinobori kites on Children’s Day.

Plantings: There are about 170 plantings in the area. Of special interest are the Japanese Maples (with 8 intricate leaf forms), Sasanqua camellias, and a and range of grasses from dainty Baby Panda Bamboo Contemplation grass to the lofty Golden Bamboo on the island in room the lake. The conifer family is well represented with plantings of junipers and cypresses. Of special interest is the umbrella pine whose needles radiate like the spokes of an umbrella. And then there is the concept of Ma or space. Design Principles of a Japanese Garden Not all spaces should be filled in the garden, and the space left should define the elements Our Garden is designed to represent a The basic laws of : around it. “microcosm of nature”. The overriding aim is The design must suit the site, and the gardeners from to replicate nature and not build elements The saying “without ‘nothing’ you cannot have our sister city of Sasebo were of great help with their into the design that wouldn’t be found in a ‘something’” is a central tenet of Japanese advice concerning Shakkei. gardens. It is possibly the most difficult natural area. Thus a waterfall may become element to grasp, and one of the reasons that part of the design, but not a . The stones (Ishi) should be placed first, then the a Japanese garden grows in stages over years trees, and then the shrubs. to determine how best to construct around The Japanese garden should be a retreat important space. It is also the reason that from the outside world; a place where you What constitutes an appropriate stone? fences and entryways are put in position only leave cares and worries behind. Above all, it when all the other elements are comfortably Selecting stones that have character and improve the is created to be a tranquil place for in place. landscape is no easy trick, but once understood it is reflection and contemplation. difficult to look at rocks as merely inanimate objects The buildings and special areas. For this reason it is important to enclose the ever again! The Japanese pavilion is built out over the area and direct people to set entrances eastern end of the lake. Traditional building “Diseased stones”: badly shaped or flat on top; techniques have been used, wooden with no where they can best view the garden you nails, a wooden platform, and a beautiful view have created. Fences and gates thus become “Dead stones”: a vertical stone that has been laid flat over the lake towards the mountains. important features. or vice versa; The contemplation room, completed in 2014 In contrast to this idea of enclosure is to “Pauper stones”: a stone that bears no relation to is an open structure, with places to rest and consider Shakkei or “”. other stones. reflect in a quiet and peaceful location. The views from the Japanese garden are incorporated into the design. There are four The Karesanui Garden, a small area to the east of the Pavilion is designed for contemplation. types of borrowed scenery: Traditional rocks, small shrubs and white Far—a distant mountain, (Bruxner Park hill) pebbled paths also make this a lovely spot to retreat from the world. Near—a tree just outside the fence, Karesanui rock garden High—above the fence,

Low—seen below a fence or through a window in the fence.

A good design draws people’s attention to the aspects outside the garden that help frame your scene.