Japanese Garden voted best in Australia

The Toowoomba Japanese Garden, located at the University of Southern Queensland (USQ), has been voted the highest quality Japanese Garden in Australia by a panel of Japanese Garden experts.

The Journal of Japanese Gardening released the results of its 2007 survey recently, with the University's garden securing the top spot over the Melbourne Zoo's garden and Adelaide's Japanese Garden.

Garden Curator, Rusell Campbell said the Garden was able to achieve this recognition because of its conscious authenticity.

'We have tired as hard as possible to maintain authenticity by using traditional styles and techniques.

'The Garden is largely Japanese plants, and we plan to eventually grow only Japanese natives. We hope to have the largest collection of Japanese plants in Australia.

'Toowoomba also has a beautiful climate and four very distinct seasons, which is unlike most places in Queensland which means there is always something on show- very much like it is in Japan.

'Our climate means that we can also use a broader range of plants.'

The Garden has also been placed in the top 25 Japanese Gardens outside Japan and was a vision of former Asian Studies lecturer Adrian Allen. It was opened in 1989 after three years of planning and a further six years of construction.

Set on 4.5 hectares, the garden contains 230 plant species and three kilometres of paths.

More than 100 thousand people visit the Garden each year, with more than 50 weddings taking place in the grounds annually.

Rusell said the construction of a traditional Japanese style building is the last remaining feature to be included within the garden.

The building will sit over the lake and will include a tea ceremony room, souvenir and refreshment shop and a large hall capable of seating 100 people.

'Once the building is built we could host Japanese tea ceremonies and visitors could stay in the garden for lunch and possibly view an exhibition.'

Ju Raku En is the largest and most successful community project undertaken in the City.

'The Garden is owned by the University and the Toowoomba City Council, and USQ maintains it on behalf of the community,' Rusell said.

Ju Raku En means longevity joy garden and is located on the northern side of the University's campus. The Garden is open seven days a week.

Media Contact: Connie-Louise Alexander, USQ Media, +61 7 4631 2977