Reflecting on 2024: Growth, Community, and New Beginnings

As we approach the end of 2024, it is with great pride and gratitude that I reflect on the accomplishments of the Friends of the Japanese Garden of Peace this year. Together, we have not only maintained the beauty and tranquility of our cherished garden but also enhanced it with new additions and significant progress.

Cleaned stone basin area

Pruned Juniper

Pruned Juniper in one of the streams

Bamboo Cloud Pruning

The Pond

Bamboo Cloud Pruning

Bamboo Cloud Pruning

Bamboo Cloud Pruning

The Pond and our Red Acer

Cleaned Rock Garden

Cleaned Rock Garden

Cutting the ribbon on Jon's Gate

Taiko Drummers

The Green Choir of the Nippon Club

Jon's Gate

One of the standout moments of the year was the unveiling of "John's Gate" in November. This beautifully crafted structure, funded by our founder and former chair, John Gordon-Smith, stands as a testament to the enduring friendship between Japan and the United Kingdom. It has quickly become a focal point in the garden, embodying the spirit of peace and cultural connection that our space represents.

Our gardening sessions this year were nothing short of transformative. With the help of dedicated volunteers—both long-time supporters and new faces—we restored the stone basin area, pruned dogwood plants, managed overgrowth around the pond banks, and performed cloud pruning of the bamboo. The cloud pruning of the bamboo was particularly impactful, creating an elegant and harmonious shape that reflects traditional Japanese gardening aesthetics while ensuring healthy growth. These efforts allowed the water to flow freely once more, creating a serene and reflective centerpiece for all to enjoy.

A major highlight was the collaboration with the Japanese Garden Society, which enabled us to undertake meticulous pruning of the junipers and other mature trees. The cloud pruning of the bamboo was particularly impactful, creating an elegant and harmonious shape that reflects traditional Japanese gardening aesthetics while ensuring healthy growth. These tasks required expertise and patience, and thanks to this partnership, we were able to preserve the unique beauty and authenticity of these elements in our garden.

Additionally, we celebrated the installation of an outdoor gym adjacent to the garden. This new facility has provided visitors with an opportunity to engage in physical activity while enjoying the calming atmosphere of the garden, further enhancing the space as a hub for wellness and community connection.

Our volunteers have been the lifeblood of these achievements. From tending to the smallest details to tackling large-scale projects, their dedication has been truly inspiring. The careful pruning, clearing, and restoration work have ensured that the garden’s signature aesthetic remains intact while also supporting its health and sustainability.

These accomplishments would not have been possible without the collective efforts of our community. To everyone who contributed their time, expertise, or resources this year: thank you. Your passion and commitment ensure that the Japanese Garden of Peace continues to be a sanctuary for reflection, connection, and cultural appreciation.

As we look forward to 2025, I am excited for the opportunities to further enhance our garden and deepen our community’s engagement. Whether through volunteering, attending events, or simply visiting to experience its serenity, we invite you to remain an integral part of this journey.

Wishing you a peaceful and joyous New Year, Dario Vianello Chair, Friends of the Japanese Garden of Peace

A New Gateway to Peace: Unveiling John's Gate at the Japanese Garden of Peace

On a crisp November afternoon, the Friends of the Japanese Garden of Peace proudly celebrated the unveiling of John's Gate, a stunning new addition to the Japanese Garden of Peace in Hammersmith Park. This beautifully crafted gate, generously funded by our founder and former chair John Gordon-Smith, stands as a testament to the rich cultural heritage and enduring friendship between Japan and the United Kingdom.

A Legacy of Friendship and Culture

The Japanese Garden of Peace, originally created in 1910 for the Japan-British Exhibition, holds the distinction of being the oldest publicly owned Japanese garden in the UK. Over the decades, it has remained a tranquil oasis and a symbol of cultural exchange, visited by thousands seeking peace and beauty in the heart of London. The addition of John's Gate enhances this historic site, blending seamlessly with its traditional design and reinforcing its role as a cherished community landmark.

A Memorable Unveiling Ceremony

The gate was officially inaugurated on 22 November 2024 during a vibrant ceremony attended by esteemed guests and supporters of the garden. Among the distinguished attendees were Mr. Yasuyuki Okazaki, Minister for Public Diplomacy and Media from the Japanese Embassy, Councillor Daryl Brown, Deputy Mayor of Hammersmith and Fulham and Mr. Yokinobu Nakano, Vice Chair of the Nippon Club

The ceremony was a celebration of Japanese culture and community spirit. Guests were treated to a powerful performance of Taiko drumming, a moving choir presentation by the Green Choir of the Nippon Club, and traditional Japanese refreshments, including delicious onigiri provided by Sosaku Onigiri.

Honouring John's Legacy

The Garden owes much of its recent development and preservation to John Gordon-Smith, whose vision and dedication have been instrumental in ensuring its continued care. John's Gate is a symbol of his tireless efforts, and in 2023, he was honoured with the Ambassador’s Commendation for his outstanding contributions to the garden and its cultural mission.

An Invitation to All

We invite you to visit the Japanese Garden of Peace to experience its serenity and admire the new gate. Whether you’re a long-time supporter or a first-time visitor, the garden offers a unique opportunity to connect with history, culture, and nature. Your support helps us maintain this treasured space and ensures its beauty can be enjoyed by future generations.

For more information about our activities and upcoming events in the new year, please visit our Get Involved page.

Pictures courtesy of LBHF.

August Gardening Day at the Japanese Garden: Restoring Balance and Welcoming New Friends

In the heat of August, our team of dedicated volunteers returned to the Japanese Garden of Peace in Hammersmith Park for another fulfilling day of gardening. This session was filled with essential maintenance tasks, exciting progress, and the addition of new volunteers who joined our mission to care for this tranquil space. With summer in full swing, the Garden had begun to show signs of overgrowth, and our efforts were focused on restoring balance and beauty.

A picture is worth a thousand words they say, so here are a few before & after pictures followed by a few highlights of our major achievements - more details after the gallery, if you're interested!

Restoring the Stone Basin Area

Our first task focused on uncovering the traditional stone basin, a beloved feature that had been hidden beneath months of unchecked vegetation. The overgrowth had dulled the basin’s allure and disrupted its function as a peaceful focal point in the garden. With a mix of pruning tools and determination, our volunteers worked carefully to trim back the encroaching plants. The result was a restored, serene space that once again invites visitors to pause and reflect, surrounded by the simple beauty of the stone basin. Go have a look!

Cutting Back Overgrown Dogwood Plants

Next on the agenda was trimming the dogwood plants scattered throughout the Garden. These plants, known for their beautiful white flowers, had started to grow wild. Volunteers worked hard to cut them back in several key spots, creating more space for other plants and ensuring the garden’s aesthetic harmony was maintained. Their efforts helped to keep the garden looking pristine, highlighting its characteristic clean lines and open spaces.

Managing the Pond Banks

The pond is the heart of our garden, but its banks had been overtaken by grasses, disrupting its delicate ecosystem and hiding the pond away. Our team carefully removed the overgrown grasses, restoring the pond’s peaceful appearance and protecting the plants and wildlife that thrive in this balanced environment. The newly cleared banks now allow the pond to once again serve as a calm, reflective centrepiece.

Re-establishing Water Flow Around the Bridge

In addition to the work on the pond banks, volunteers also focused on clearing the area around the bridge. Over the summer, lily pads and invasive weeds had grown dense in this section, blocking water flow and disturbing the natural look of the pond. By removing these obstructions, our team successfully re-established the gentle flow of water under the bridge, improving the health of the pond and enhancing its visual appeal. The clear, flowing water now creates a more peaceful atmosphere for visitors, offering them a perfect view of the garden’s reflection in the pond.

Special Pruning by Graham Bowyer of the Japanese Garden Society

A highlight of the day was the visit from Graham Bowyer, Southeast Chair of the Japanese Garden Society and skilled gardener. Graham joined us for this session and brought his expertise to one of our long-awaited tasks—pruning the juniper trees. Over time, the junipers had grown unruly, with branches in need of skilled attention - some of them were simply immersed in the streams! Graham’s careful and precise pruning of three of our four juniper trees brought them back to their intended shape, giving the garden a more polished and refined appearance. This was a task we had been hoping to accomplish for quite some time, and thanks to Graham’s expert work, the junipers are now once again key focal points in the landscape.

Welcoming New Volunteers

In this session, we were thrilled to welcome three new volunteers to the team. Their enthusiasm and energy were a wonderful addition to the group. From helping clear vegetation to assisting with the pond work, our new volunteers made an immediate impact and were warmly embraced by the rest of the team. We look forward to seeing them in future sessions as we continue our work in the garden.

Looking Ahead

The August session was filled with significant progress, but as always, there’s still plenty more to do. Our work in the Japanese Garden of Peace is an ongoing project, and every session brings us closer to maintaining the garden’s delicate balance. As we look ahead to the coming months, we will continue to focus on keeping the garden healthy, beautiful, and welcoming for all visitors.

We invite anyone with a passion for gardening, nature, or simply giving back to the community to join us for our next session. Whether you’re an experienced gardener or just looking to lend a hand, there’s always a place for you at the Japanese Garden of Peace.

A huge thank you goes out to everyone who participated in the August session, especially to our new volunteers and to Graham Bowyer for his invaluable contribution. Your dedication is what keeps this garden thriving, and we look forward to seeing you again next month as we continue our mission to preserve and enhance this tranquil oasis in Hammersmith Park.

Stay tuned for more updates and opportunities to get involved!