Purelands Japanese Garden

It all began in 1980 when Maitreya, a Japanese teacher and lecturer, came across a two acres of flat, neglected field 12 miles north of Newark.

Despite having no previous experience he began to create a garden.  He was particularly anxious to reproduce the hilly and mountainous scenery of Japan, so the earth dug out by the JCB to create the pond was heaped roughly into 'hills'.

 The large stones came from a quarry in Derby and everyone was placed carefully and meditatively.  Features such as the bridges, bamboos, stone lanterns were added, and blended with English plants - to give an harmonious blending of East and West.

For example the purple plant in these pictures is none other than aubrieta - so loved in English rockeries!

Of course there is a Tea House, and it is possible to purchase a Japanese Tea Ceremony.

Every time of the year is beautiful at Purelands, but probably none is lovelier than in spring.

Maitreya also blends his own Purelands tea and salad dressing, and makes mouth-watering scones which can be eaten in the peaceful garden.

You can find other Out and About articles by clicking here.

If you would like to see other places I have visited recently, please visit http://nottinghamshirenotes.blogspot.com/