The Japanese Garden: history and development - Presented by Patsy Rayner

The Japanese garden is an integral part of Japanese life. Their gardens are places for contemplation, mediation, order and harmony. Religion and the country's topography (mountains, sea, clouds, trees) have all influenced Japanese garden design. Everything in nature has a spirit of its own.

The different gardens were described e.g. the Zen garden and how influences came from the West e.g. the Stroll garden. Various elements make up a Japanese garden: Rocks, stones, gravel, moving water, plants, ornaments, pebble beaches. The role of plants give messages and a sense of passing time. Examples of plants which are used to symbolise this include: Cherry blossom, Camellia Japonica, Azaleas, Peonies, Wisteria, Water lilies and Chrysanthemum.

Everyone enjoyed Patsy's enthusiasm, knowledge and professional delivery of her subject.