Japanese Gardens - Pureland
In 1980 a Japanese Buddha known as Maitreya, transformed two acres of wilderness in the Nottinghamshire countryside - into the most incredible Japanese garden. He had no previous experience in gardening, and used JCB's to turn his flat plot of land into an area that resembles the hilly scenery found in his native Japan. What a task he undertook and what a fabulous job he did!
One of Maitreya's newest projects was to create a crystal garden - the World's First Crystal Garden. Step into this wooden building and be utterly amazed at what has been created inside! The colourful, glittering crystals have been positioned to resemble a mountainous scene, with a river running through the landscape. Many different shapes and colours add to the picture - as well as the occasional statue, stone and unusual object.
Mirrors all around the room give the impression that the scene goes much further into the distance.
Back outside, you are greeted with trees that have been lovingly shaped over many years - giving everyone inspiration to hurry home and attempt something similar. Although it is a lot harder than it looks.
Around the ponds and streams you will always find colourful planting no matter what time of the year you visit. The gardens are open every day except Mondays, from the end of March until the end of November.
A Zen garden has been created out of rocks and white marble chips - and in the sunken ponds, specific shades of planting give the effect of water.
Follow the stepping stones and paths around this area and you will come to a Tea House built out of scrap materials - this is where Traditional Japanese Tea ceremonies can be held - by arrangement.
Throughout the garden you will find many places to sit and contemplate, to enjoy the tranquillity and peacefulness of this incredible space.
Peer through the planting and imagine yourself in another world - one of calm and beauty.
The Ponds are home to huge carp, that are so used to friendly humans, they regularly come to the surface to say hello. Whilst there last time, one jumped out of the water so many times, it appeared to be doing a dolphin dance.
A mixture of Oriental-originating plants have been carefully blended together with English plants, many of which were originally given to Maitreya by his friends, as well as some from local people.
One of my favourite sections is the Pagoda sitting proudly on top of a hill overlooking the pond.
As you walk around the garden, you will find different statues and attractions - hanging from trees, sitting on rocks, under bushes etc - keep your eyes open for them.
You will find bridges to walk over, and some to walk under - and I can recommend walking around the garden at least twice but in opposite directions - so you don't miss anything. Views always look different from the other way around.
I can highly recommend visiting these gardens, I have been many times and will continue to take friends there. Each July the "Nature's Heart Concert"is held with talks, Haiku poetry, songs and meditation; and in late summer the garden is open for Lantern Lit Evenings where you can experience the magical, peaceful atmosphere at twilight and afterwards.
I hope you have enjoyed exploring this garden with me - and it has inspired you to go.
Thank you
The Japanese Garden and Meditation Centre (also known as Pureland) has been described as "An Inspirational Garden of the World"- and you really must visit to appreciate what has been done here.
In 1980 a Japanese Buddha known as Maitreya, transformed two acres of wilderness in the Nottinghamshire countryside - into the most incredible Japanese garden. He had no previous experience in gardening, and used JCB's to turn his flat plot of land into an area that resembles the hilly scenery found in his native Japan. What a task he undertook and what a fabulous job he did!
Ponds and streams were dug out, with the earth from these, used to make hills; whilst stones and trees were positioned in strategic places to create a harmonious feel. Over the years, other features have been added, such as winding paths, bridges, pagodas, tea houses, boulders, lighting and statues - there is something to discover around every corner. Enjoy walking around this beautiful garden with me.
One of Maitreya's newest projects was to create a crystal garden - the World's First Crystal Garden. Step into this wooden building and be utterly amazed at what has been created inside! The colourful, glittering crystals have been positioned to resemble a mountainous scene, with a river running through the landscape. Many different shapes and colours add to the picture - as well as the occasional statue, stone and unusual object.
Mirrors all around the room give the impression that the scene goes much further into the distance.
Back outside, you are greeted with trees that have been lovingly shaped over many years - giving everyone inspiration to hurry home and attempt something similar. Although it is a lot harder than it looks.
Around the ponds and streams you will always find colourful planting no matter what time of the year you visit. The gardens are open every day except Mondays, from the end of March until the end of November.
A Zen garden has been created out of rocks and white marble chips - and in the sunken ponds, specific shades of planting give the effect of water.
Follow the stepping stones and paths around this area and you will come to a Tea House built out of scrap materials - this is where Traditional Japanese Tea ceremonies can be held - by arrangement.
Throughout the garden you will find many places to sit and contemplate, to enjoy the tranquillity and peacefulness of this incredible space.
Peer through the planting and imagine yourself in another world - one of calm and beauty.
The Ponds are home to huge carp, that are so used to friendly humans, they regularly come to the surface to say hello. Whilst there last time, one jumped out of the water so many times, it appeared to be doing a dolphin dance.
A mixture of Oriental-originating plants have been carefully blended together with English plants, many of which were originally given to Maitreya by his friends, as well as some from local people.
One of my favourite sections is the Pagoda sitting proudly on top of a hill overlooking the pond.
As you walk around the garden, you will find different statues and attractions - hanging from trees, sitting on rocks, under bushes etc - keep your eyes open for them.
You will find bridges to walk over, and some to walk under - and I can recommend walking around the garden at least twice but in opposite directions - so you don't miss anything. Views always look different from the other way around.
There has always been a small cafe here, but the garden has become so popular, that a conservatory has now been added - "Pureland Tea Garden". A wonderful place to enjoy Maitreya's Rice Salad for lunch, or a drink with one of his home made scones, which he has been making for years and is renowned for. He makes everything fresh whilst you walk around the garden.
Maitreya was born near Nagoya in Japan and after spending some time in a Zen Monastery, he experienced Enlightenment - seeing absolute perfection and beauty in all things and everyone. He has completed a MA Degree in Buddhism and now gives lessons and private consultations in Meditation and Relaxation. The garden he has created, reflects the harmony and peacefulness that he wants everyone to realise and enjoy. He has now been teaching for over 50 years and received numerous awards. You can even buy his CD's, and DVD's or download them through his website.
I can highly recommend visiting these gardens, I have been many times and will continue to take friends there. Each July the "Nature's Heart Concert"is held with talks, Haiku poetry, songs and meditation; and in late summer the garden is open for Lantern Lit Evenings where you can experience the magical, peaceful atmosphere at twilight and afterwards.
Check out his website at www.buddhamaitreya.co.uk
I hope you have enjoyed exploring this garden with me - and it has inspired you to go.
Thank you
Lynne
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