The Japanese Garden
within Bestwood Country Park
Background
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At
the south eastern corner of the park, hidden behind the trees at the
foot of the lawns that slope down in front of Best Western's Bestwood
Lodge Hotel, are the Japanese Water Gardens, rediscovered during a
survey of the grounds in 2009.
Bestwood Lodge itself was built in 1862 by the architect SS Teulon as a hunting Lodge for the Dukes of St Albans. It replaced the previous building, a medieval royal Hunting Lodge – Bestwood Hall - which had stood for many centuries.
Bestwood Lodge itself was built in 1862 by the architect SS Teulon as a hunting Lodge for the Dukes of St Albans. It replaced the previous building, a medieval royal Hunting Lodge – Bestwood Hall - which had stood for many centuries.
Uncovering The Gardens
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In
2010 the Friends of Bestwood Country Park and other volunteers worked with
Nottinghamshire Community Archaeologists
to clear the overgrown gardens. They found that pretty much all of
the original structures
and planting still remains to this day. It is believed that water
flowed through pipes
to create waterfalls, pipes and channels but it is not known where
the water actually came from!
Funding for this work was provided by Nottinghamshire County Council’s Local Improvement Scheme (LIS). The scheme also funded interpretation boards for visitors on the site – we are indebted to the County Council for much of this text, which appears on the boards.
Research has found very little information about the gardens, but it is thought that they were developed around the end of the 19th century, when Japanese Gardens were extremely fashionable with the wealthy, upper classes. What sets this garden apart from other examples is the fact that it appears to be split into an upper and a lower section by a formal rose garden. It is not clear which came first but the rose garden could have been planted to be pleasing on the eye for those who looked out of the Lodge’s windows, whilst the Japanese Garden was hidden away – a much more private pleasure.
Funding for this work was provided by Nottinghamshire County Council’s Local Improvement Scheme (LIS). The scheme also funded interpretation boards for visitors on the site – we are indebted to the County Council for much of this text, which appears on the boards.
Research has found very little information about the gardens, but it is thought that they were developed around the end of the 19th century, when Japanese Gardens were extremely fashionable with the wealthy, upper classes. What sets this garden apart from other examples is the fact that it appears to be split into an upper and a lower section by a formal rose garden. It is not clear which came first but the rose garden could have been planted to be pleasing on the eye for those who looked out of the Lodge’s windows, whilst the Japanese Garden was hidden away – a much more private pleasure.
About Japanese Gardens
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The
Japanese began designing gardens around the 6th century as open
spaces for relaxation and quiet contemplation. They have many
different styles but they can generally be divided into two main
types: Flat
gardens (hiraniwa) and Hill gardens (tsukiyamaniwa).
Each of these is again divided into three further forms called: finished, intermediary and rough. Each form of garden will contain some of the key features listed below.
Bestwood Japanese Gardens could be a Hill Garden of Finished style as it was created on spacious land and located in front of a principal building (i.e. The Lodge). There is evidence that it contained a red wooden bridge and a Guardian Stone. There may also have been a tea house or waiting area for visitors to spend some reflection time.
Key Features of Japanese Gardens
Hills – forming the central feature - there are often several throughout the garden.
Stones – ten types including the Guardian Stone, Worshipping Stone, Cave Stone, Pedestal or Snail Stone and Idle Stone.
Trees – most important being the principal tree which is either a pine or an oak.
Other features could include a well, a lantern, a gate, a bridge, an arched stone bridge and a water basin.
Each of these is again divided into three further forms called: finished, intermediary and rough. Each form of garden will contain some of the key features listed below.
Bestwood Japanese Gardens could be a Hill Garden of Finished style as it was created on spacious land and located in front of a principal building (i.e. The Lodge). There is evidence that it contained a red wooden bridge and a Guardian Stone. There may also have been a tea house or waiting area for visitors to spend some reflection time.
Key Features of Japanese Gardens
Hills – forming the central feature - there are often several throughout the garden.
Stones – ten types including the Guardian Stone, Worshipping Stone, Cave Stone, Pedestal or Snail Stone and Idle Stone.
Trees – most important being the principal tree which is either a pine or an oak.
Other features could include a well, a lantern, a gate, a bridge, an arched stone bridge and a water basin.
Current Management
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The
area of the gardens, unlike the rest of the Country Park, is now
managed by Gedling Borough Council and their Ranger team. Regular
volunteer work parties help in this, and if you or your company would
like to be involved, please contact Jane Richardson, Parks
Development Officer, at 0115 901 3963, or
jane.richardson@gedling.gov.uk
PLEASE BE AWARE!
Although you’re welcome to walk onto the gardens, the surfaces are unstable and slippery, and therefore not suitable for pushchairs, wheelchairs and people who are unsteady on their feet. If you do decide to explore the gardens, you do so at your own risk.
PLEASE BE AWARE!
Although you’re welcome to walk onto the gardens, the surfaces are unstable and slippery, and therefore not suitable for pushchairs, wheelchairs and people who are unsteady on their feet. If you do decide to explore the gardens, you do so at your own risk.