Embassy of Japan in the UK

Tatton Park Japanese Garden Centenary

Tatton Park,

Knutsford, Cheshire

Join Tatton Park in Cheshire during 2011 as it celebrates 100 years since the commissioning of its beautiful Japanese garden. Discover more about the Japanese garden style and the history and make-up of the garden at Tatton, arguably one of the best examples of a Japanese garden in Europe.

Tatton Park's Japanese garden

The Japanese garden was the idea of Alan de Tatton, 3rd Baron Egerton of Tatton (1845 - 1920), who had visited the Anglo-Japanese Exhibition in London's White City in 1910. All things 'Eastern' became extremely fashionable during this period and a number of aristocratic families commissioned a Japanese garden for their estates. In 2000-2001, the garden was restored to its impressive original state under the guidance of Japanese garden expert Professor Masao Fukuhara.

The garden circa 1913

The Shinto Shrine and artefacts contained within the garden are all reputed to have been brought from Japan especially for the construction of the garden. The garden itself is in the style of a tea garden and, in keeping with the Japanese garden style, portrays many scenes, both mythical and factual, including a view of Mount Fuji. Stones and rocks have been selected for their form and lanterns come in all shapes and sizes, each having different functions.

The garden contains many Japanese Maples (or Acers). Attention is always paid to the form and shape of the plants, as can be seen from the bamboo at the west end of the garden. Many evergreen plants are also included, which add to the winter interest.

Join in - events, workshops and lectures

To celebrate the centenary and invite visitors to enjoy the garden and learn more about the Japanese garden style and culture of Japan, Tatton Park is hosting a number of events during 2011. A programme of workshops delivered by Professor Fukuhara and his team gives an opportunity to learn a new skill. From 26 March to 3 July, the Mansion at Tatton Park will host an exhibition of Japanese gardens and Japanese artefacts collected by the former owners of Tatton, the Egertons. Families are invited to take part in Children∏s Day activities on 2 May. Finally, Tatton's gardening team will be creating a Japanese garden as its 'back to back' garden exhibit at the 13th RHS Flower show at Tatton Park in July. For a full list of events, visit http://www.tattonpark.org.uk/Attractions/WhatsOn/Japanese+Garden+Centenary+2011.htm

The Japanese garden centenary celebration has been kindly supported by:
The Daiwa Anglo-Japanese Foundation, The Great Britain Sasakawa Foundation, The Embassy of Japan in the UK, The Japanese Garden Society, Cheshire East Council and the Tatton Park Trust.

Tatton Park is located in Knutsford in the Cheshire countryside. It is owned by the National Trust and managed and financed by Cheshire East Council. The Park is open to the public every day of the year, excluding Mondays in low season and Christmas Day. Charges apply and attraction opening times vary.

For more information about Tatton Park, its Japanese garden and the centenary events visit www.tattonpark.org.uk, email tattton@cheshireeast.gov.uk or telephone 01625 374400

Vicky Wilby

Cheshire East Council

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