Japanese Gardens
Presenter: Dean Boone
Episode: 23 (6th October 2007)
This week Dean visited a garden that is full of surprises. It is a traditional Japanese garden, built by Japanese artisans, 19 years ago, to celebrate the sister city relationship between Koshigaya and Campbelltown. It’s one of the oldest relationships and one of the most successful.
The garden is part of the regional arts centre and is one of those tranquil places you stumble across and never quite forget. The aim of the garden is to create quiet solitude for contemplation, leading to heightened awareness.
The garden is full of symbolism, with every plant, stone and structure taking on a meaning. Water is regarded as sacred, and the Koi certainly enjoying being there too. Things like pine stand for solitude and in autumn the garden is a blaze of colour.
The Japanese garden is part of the Campbelltown Art centre, which also has a café to contemplate the garden over a great coffee as well as a sculpture park and of course regular exhibitions in the gallery.
Campbelltown Mayor, Aaron Rule discusses the gardens.
“My favourite part of the garden is the koi carp, I think they are tremendously entertaining, children seem to love them, they are always looking for a feed and they certainly add some colour.”
“One of the major features of the gardens of course is the traditional teahouse and that was designed and built by Japanese craftsmen from Koshigaya and was recently restored by them. We have one of the best relationships with Koshigaya in the country. We sent over a number of years ago some beautiful Australian parrots and birds which form part of a native garden in their city. It reminds them of our friendship and relationship with them.”
“This is a wonderful facility, it creates a lot of pride in the local community, we maintain it beautifully, and we just wish more people would come out and enjoy it like we do.”
For gardeners the garden is a great place to visit as it shows how to use plant materials in different ways, there are lots of different layers of green foliage contrast and it is a garden of seasonal contrast.
If you are looking for a new experience, this place is perfect. It is a place of ancient tradition right at Sydney’s doorstep, and they have great Yum Cha on Sunday’s too.
Cnr Camden & Appin Roads, Campbelltown
PO Box 57 Campbelltown NSW 2560
P 4645 4100F 4645 4385
E artscentre@campbelltown.nsw.gov.au
Open daily 10am – 4pm
Café open
10am – 4pm Monday to Friday,
Japanese Gardens
The Japanese Gardens were first established in 1988. Over the years, the Gardens have become a focal point of the Arts Centre, attracting thousands of visitors each year and becoming a popular backdrop for performance, ceremonies and events.
The Gardens provide a constant reminder of the link between Campbelltown City and their Sister City, Koshigaya, in Japan. This friendship is now in its 23rd year and remains one of the most successful Sister City links between Australia and Japan.
The aim of the garden is to obtain quiet solitude [Wabi] and the transition of those who enter the tea house [Roji] by walking along the pathway. The design represents a look of elegant simplicity [sabi] leading to contemplation and heightened awareness.
Water and waterfalls are regarded as sacred. Japanese people love all aspects of water including the variety of sounds and visual effects produced. The Koi pond provides colour and movement and is a great attraction for children. The plants in the garden are used for overall tranquillity. Mostly evergreen trees are used, although some deciduous flora, such as Japanese Maple, is favoured for autumn colour. Pines stand for silence, solitude and old age. The bamboo implies strength and pliability. Flowering plums and cherry trees are held in high esteem as they herald the Spring. The spoils from these trees are never swept up but left to reflect the spirit back up to the tree.
Evergreen azaleas and small leafed box are clipped and pruned into shapes resembling rocks. Camellias have been in Japan since the 12th Century and were chosen for their ornamental and long flowering qualities. The garden also contains Japanese Mondo grass and irises, which are used at the waters edge.
Traditional Japanese carpenters came to Campbelltown in 2005 to refurbish the Japanese tea house using traditional methods and materials. In return, Campbelltown City delivered a shipment of native Australian birds to Koshigaya, to be housed in Campbelltown Park - a wildlife sanctuary.
Campbelltown Arts Centre
The Campbelltown Arts Centre was officially opened in June 2005 and has since cemented its reputation as a centrepiece of contemporary arts in Sydney’s south west. Its opening marked a major turning point in the development of cultural infrastructure in the area and it is now an interactive venue for cultural programs in visual art, music, dance, theatre, film, writing and new media. The Centre’s Café provides an opportunity to take in the gardens atmosphere while having a coffee and lunch.
Designed by the award winning Tanner Architects, the Arts Centre features a 180 seat performance studio, 2000 seat outdoor amphitheatre, workshop spaces, rehearsal studios, galleries and a café. Tanner Architects have previously designed and adapted civic cultural spaces including Sydney Town Hall, the Bondi Pavilion Courtyard and the New Zealand Parliament.
Sister City relationship between Campbelltown and Koshigaya
8am – 4pm Saturday & Sunday
The Sister City relationship between Campbelltown and Koshigaya celebrates its 23rd anniversary this year, and is one of the longest running, and most successful, Sister City relationships established between Australia and Japan.
Each year, approximately 60 young people are involved in student exchanges between the two countries. This gives the future generation the opportunity to forge new friendships and experience a new culture, while strengthening the ties between Australia and Japan.
Tourism in Campbelltown
The Japanese Gardens and Campbelltown Arts Centre have become a major drawcard for the tourism industry in Campbelltown and the Macarthur Region.
Each year, Campbelltown averages 475,000 day visitors to the area. The area is located only 50km south west of Sydney’s centre, and less than one hour by road or rail. Campbelltown is a cosmopolitan city with a blend of heritage, culture and the tranquillity of natural surrounds.
With a rich history of agriculture and farming, Campbelltown and the Macarthur Region were pivotal to the start of Australian agriculture. The man known as Australia’s first farmer, James Ruse, produced wheat in the area, while John Macarthur built his merino wool empire in nearby Camden. Campbelltown is also home to an impressive portfolio of heritage-listed buildings. From slab huts to the manors and mansions of the very well to do, Campbelltown’s heritage is evident at almost every turn, and adds to the city’s charm.
Campbelltown has all of the action and adventure to keep everyone entertained. With heart-pounding activities including rock climbing and go-karting, as well as fantastic sporting facilities and acclaimed golf courses, the opportunities in the city are sure to surprise you.
For nature lovers, the beauty of the Campbelltown’s national parks and wildlife trails will enthral you. The Georges River Nature Reserve borders the city and visitors can uncover spectacular flowing streams, dramatic rock escarpments as well as an abundance of native flora and fauna, including the local koala colony. Breathtaking views, secret spots and stunning horizons are awaiting you.
More than you imagine and closer than you think, Campbelltown offers something for everyone. A walk back in time, heart pumping adventure and the wild beauty of nature await discovery in our unique city. Come and experience some exceptional charm, and uncover Campbelltown.
Visit the Campbelltown Visitor Information Centre ‘Quondong’ at 15 Old Menangle Road, Campbelltown or call the friendly staff on 4645 4921.
Sponsors:
Mayor Aaron Rule
Campbelltown City Council
www.campbelltown.nsw.gov.au
Episode: 23 (6th October 2007)
This week Dean visited a garden that is full of surprises. It is a traditional Japanese garden, built by Japanese artisans, 19 years ago, to celebrate the sister city relationship between Koshigaya and Campbelltown. It’s one of the oldest relationships and one of the most successful.
The garden is part of the regional arts centre and is one of those tranquil places you stumble across and never quite forget. The aim of the garden is to create quiet solitude for contemplation, leading to heightened awareness.
The garden is full of symbolism, with every plant, stone and structure taking on a meaning. Water is regarded as sacred, and the Koi certainly enjoying being there too. Things like pine stand for solitude and in autumn the garden is a blaze of colour.
The Japanese garden is part of the Campbelltown Art centre, which also has a café to contemplate the garden over a great coffee as well as a sculpture park and of course regular exhibitions in the gallery.
Campbelltown Mayor, Aaron Rule discusses the gardens.
“My favourite part of the garden is the koi carp, I think they are tremendously entertaining, children seem to love them, they are always looking for a feed and they certainly add some colour.”
“One of the major features of the gardens of course is the traditional teahouse and that was designed and built by Japanese craftsmen from Koshigaya and was recently restored by them. We have one of the best relationships with Koshigaya in the country. We sent over a number of years ago some beautiful Australian parrots and birds which form part of a native garden in their city. It reminds them of our friendship and relationship with them.”
“This is a wonderful facility, it creates a lot of pride in the local community, we maintain it beautifully, and we just wish more people would come out and enjoy it like we do.”
For gardeners the garden is a great place to visit as it shows how to use plant materials in different ways, there are lots of different layers of green foliage contrast and it is a garden of seasonal contrast.
If you are looking for a new experience, this place is perfect. It is a place of ancient tradition right at Sydney’s doorstep, and they have great Yum Cha on Sunday’s too.
Cnr Camden & Appin Roads, Campbelltown
PO Box 57 Campbelltown NSW 2560
P 4645 4100F 4645 4385
E artscentre@campbelltown.nsw.gov.au
Open daily 10am – 4pm
Café open
10am – 4pm Monday to Friday,
Japanese Gardens
The Japanese Gardens were first established in 1988. Over the years, the Gardens have become a focal point of the Arts Centre, attracting thousands of visitors each year and becoming a popular backdrop for performance, ceremonies and events.
The Gardens provide a constant reminder of the link between Campbelltown City and their Sister City, Koshigaya, in Japan. This friendship is now in its 23rd year and remains one of the most successful Sister City links between Australia and Japan.
The aim of the garden is to obtain quiet solitude [Wabi] and the transition of those who enter the tea house [Roji] by walking along the pathway. The design represents a look of elegant simplicity [sabi] leading to contemplation and heightened awareness.
Water and waterfalls are regarded as sacred. Japanese people love all aspects of water including the variety of sounds and visual effects produced. The Koi pond provides colour and movement and is a great attraction for children. The plants in the garden are used for overall tranquillity. Mostly evergreen trees are used, although some deciduous flora, such as Japanese Maple, is favoured for autumn colour. Pines stand for silence, solitude and old age. The bamboo implies strength and pliability. Flowering plums and cherry trees are held in high esteem as they herald the Spring. The spoils from these trees are never swept up but left to reflect the spirit back up to the tree.
Evergreen azaleas and small leafed box are clipped and pruned into shapes resembling rocks. Camellias have been in Japan since the 12th Century and were chosen for their ornamental and long flowering qualities. The garden also contains Japanese Mondo grass and irises, which are used at the waters edge.
Traditional Japanese carpenters came to Campbelltown in 2005 to refurbish the Japanese tea house using traditional methods and materials. In return, Campbelltown City delivered a shipment of native Australian birds to Koshigaya, to be housed in Campbelltown Park - a wildlife sanctuary.
Campbelltown Arts Centre
The Campbelltown Arts Centre was officially opened in June 2005 and has since cemented its reputation as a centrepiece of contemporary arts in Sydney’s south west. Its opening marked a major turning point in the development of cultural infrastructure in the area and it is now an interactive venue for cultural programs in visual art, music, dance, theatre, film, writing and new media. The Centre’s Café provides an opportunity to take in the gardens atmosphere while having a coffee and lunch.
Designed by the award winning Tanner Architects, the Arts Centre features a 180 seat performance studio, 2000 seat outdoor amphitheatre, workshop spaces, rehearsal studios, galleries and a café. Tanner Architects have previously designed and adapted civic cultural spaces including Sydney Town Hall, the Bondi Pavilion Courtyard and the New Zealand Parliament.
Sister City relationship between Campbelltown and Koshigaya
8am – 4pm Saturday & Sunday
The Sister City relationship between Campbelltown and Koshigaya celebrates its 23rd anniversary this year, and is one of the longest running, and most successful, Sister City relationships established between Australia and Japan.
Each year, approximately 60 young people are involved in student exchanges between the two countries. This gives the future generation the opportunity to forge new friendships and experience a new culture, while strengthening the ties between Australia and Japan.
Tourism in Campbelltown
The Japanese Gardens and Campbelltown Arts Centre have become a major drawcard for the tourism industry in Campbelltown and the Macarthur Region.
Each year, Campbelltown averages 475,000 day visitors to the area. The area is located only 50km south west of Sydney’s centre, and less than one hour by road or rail. Campbelltown is a cosmopolitan city with a blend of heritage, culture and the tranquillity of natural surrounds.
With a rich history of agriculture and farming, Campbelltown and the Macarthur Region were pivotal to the start of Australian agriculture. The man known as Australia’s first farmer, James Ruse, produced wheat in the area, while John Macarthur built his merino wool empire in nearby Camden. Campbelltown is also home to an impressive portfolio of heritage-listed buildings. From slab huts to the manors and mansions of the very well to do, Campbelltown’s heritage is evident at almost every turn, and adds to the city’s charm.
Campbelltown has all of the action and adventure to keep everyone entertained. With heart-pounding activities including rock climbing and go-karting, as well as fantastic sporting facilities and acclaimed golf courses, the opportunities in the city are sure to surprise you.
For nature lovers, the beauty of the Campbelltown’s national parks and wildlife trails will enthral you. The Georges River Nature Reserve borders the city and visitors can uncover spectacular flowing streams, dramatic rock escarpments as well as an abundance of native flora and fauna, including the local koala colony. Breathtaking views, secret spots and stunning horizons are awaiting you.
More than you imagine and closer than you think, Campbelltown offers something for everyone. A walk back in time, heart pumping adventure and the wild beauty of nature await discovery in our unique city. Come and experience some exceptional charm, and uncover Campbelltown.
Visit the Campbelltown Visitor Information Centre ‘Quondong’ at 15 Old Menangle Road, Campbelltown or call the friendly staff on 4645 4921.
Sponsors:
Mayor Aaron Rule
Campbelltown City Council
www.campbelltown.nsw.gov.au
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