In a state where most of the escarpment is burnt, the state covered in smoke, and mainly in a long drought, these gardens are a virtual oasis. The contrast, at the moment, between the green gardens and the brown grass over the fence, is striking.
We were the only visitors (apart from the ducks and bees having a drink), and the caretaker stopped watering, and fed the fish for us. There are some sizeable carp in the bottom pond.
Osawano Japanese Gardens, Wellington, NSW.
As with most Japanese Gardens the Osawano Japanese Gardens provide a tranquil, peaceful retreat ideal for contemplation and relaxation.
However, these gardens at Wellington have something unique that you won't find in many or any other Japanese Gardens. In the centre of the gardens there is a beautiful big Aussie gum tree.
The gardens were constructed between February and November 1999. The funding for the project was a gift donated by Osawano Town Council (Wellington's Japanese sister city), the design and construction of the gardens was undertaken by Wellington Council. The gardens were officially opened on 21 November 1999 (21.11.1999)
The central feature is the man-made mountain. From this mountain water cascades down via a stream of ponds then winds its way under several bridges to a reflection pool over which sits a water pavilion.
A striking 4.5 meter, thirteen story stone lantern tower was a donation from firms in Osawano, for the wish of ongoing prosperity for Wellington.
There are 1,500 individual plant specimens within the gardens comprising 126 different species. The garden is designed to give spring cherry blossom colour, autumn leaf colour and provide shade during the summer months with a most impressive blend of exotic and Australian plants.
Entry is free, and all the paths are flat and level and wheelchair friendly.
Virtual Task
To claim this virtual, you must attach a photo of yourself (or your caching name if you are shy), in front of the main pond or pavilion, and email me the date the Lions donated the wooden bench.
Virtual Rewards 2.0 - 2019/2020
This Virtual Cache is part of a limited release of Virtuals created between June 4, 2019 and June 4, 2020. Only 4,000 cache owners were given the opportunity to hide a Virtual Cache. Learn more about Virtual Rewards 2.0 on the Geocaching Blog.