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News from the Friends

Spring 2025 is finally here, bringing renewed energy to care for the Japanese Garden of Peace at Hammersmith Park—the oldest publicly owned Japanese garden in the United Kingdom. This living legacy, established for the 1910 Japan-British Exhibition, remains a symbol of over a century of Japan-UK cultural exchange. In March, our volunteers (including four newcomers) met under clear skies to give the Garden a fresh start for the new season.



Taming the “Bamboo Secret Hideout”

Our first big task was thinning the tall bamboo in the southeast corner—charmingly called the “bamboo secret hideout.” Beloved by children, this tucked-away grove had become a bit too dense. By removing older canes, we made room for healthy new shoots while preserving the sense of playful seclusion. We’ll be back soon to complete the thinning, so it stays safe, accessible, and enchanting.

In spots where we’d pruned bamboo last year, volunteers removed any dead or damaged canes. This approach opens up space for summer growth, keeping the canopy neat and reflecting the careful balance of nature and artistry that defines a Japanese garden.


Shaping the Low Bamboo Along the South Fence

Meanwhile, our volunteers also addressed the low bamboo along the fence on the south side. Over time, it had begun to bulge outward, so we carefully trimmed it back to restore its neat, straight shape. This tidy border lets the Garden retain its unique charm—especially as new shoots appear in the coming months.

We also opened up narrow pathways through low bamboo near the stream on the left side. Not only do these mini-trails invite more exploration, but they help us reach a large rose bush that’s ready for pruning—just as soon as its spring blooms have faded.


Managing Overgrown Carex on the Pond Banks

The Garden’s pond is a focal point for visitors, and Carex (a locally common plant) had spread aggressively along the water’s edge. We removed enough to prevent it from overtaking other species, while still preserving some carex for environmental variety. By striking this balance, we keep the pond healthy, visually appealing, and in keeping with the design of a serene Japanese garden in West London.


Keeping the Streams Clear

A hallmark of many Japanese gardens is the gentle sound of running water. Our volunteers got into the right-hand stream to clear out weeds and debris, allowing water to flow freely and ensuring a healthy aquatic environment. We’ll revisit this task regularly to maintain the Garden’s signature sense of calm, supported by the soothing sound of clean, running water.


Welcoming New Volunteers

One of the day’s best highlights was greeting four new volunteers, who joined forces with our long-time members. Every extra pair of hands makes a difference, and the blend of fresh perspectives and seasoned expertise adds to the Garden’s welcoming spirit. Whether hauling bundles of trimmed bamboo or offering gardening tips, everyone contributed to our friendly team dynamic.


Looking Ahead

With our March 2025 session wrapped up, we’re already planning for the next round of tasks:

  1. Finishing Bamboo Thinning: We’ll wrap up the work in the “bamboo secret hideout” so it stays inviting, not overgrown.

  2. Rose Bush Pruning: Once its blooms have faded, the large rose by the stream will get the attention it needs for long-term health.

  3. Ongoing Pond & Stream Maintenance: We’ll continue controlling carex, clearing weeds, and monitoring the water’s flow for the sake of fish and plant life.

  4. Community Building: We look forward to seeing more volunteers—from curious novices to gardening gurus—join our efforts in the months ahead.


How to Get Involved

  • Volunteer Days: Check our website or social media for the upcoming schedule. We typically gather monthly in spring and summer.

  • Follow Us Online: Stay updated on all our gardening activities, special events, and transformation photos from the heart of this historic Japanese garden in London.

  • Share the News: Help us spread the word to fellow nature enthusiasts about the Friends of the Japanese Garden of Peace and our mission to preserve this unique cultural landmark.

By working together each month, we’re ensuring that the Japanese Garden of Peace at Hammersmith Park remains a vibrant oasis for everyone to enjoy—a living embodiment of Anglo-Japanese friendship and a tranquil refuge amidst London’s bustle. We can’t wait to welcome you at our next volunteer day!

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.



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

 
 
 

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.


 
 
 
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