Japanese Garden at Blackwater Coal Centre

http://www.bicc.com.au/the-gardens/

Japanese Gardens landscaped in a traditional Japanese theme and containing a number of lanterns and other sculptures.

The Azumaya (sitting house) can be used to view the gardens and surroundings.  The pond is an integral part of the garden and all elements are represented in a beautiful setting.

The Timeless Garden features unique species of plants from all over the world, some of which you won’t find anywhere else in Australia. A sacred bottle tree was relocated in 2008 and now resides at the centre of the landscaped lawns.

The Japanese Garden is a cooperative effort between the two sister cities Blackwater and Fujisawa establishing harmony and friendship now and for the future.

The traditional garden features various styles used in Japanese gardening. The use of white gravel stones denotes water flowing from a waterfall. The placement of rocks within the gravel patterns symbolize the planets in space.

The lanterns represent various facets of life and the Goju no tou lantern represents elements of water, fire, earth, wind and air. Some, like the Yamadoro lantern, are made from volcanic rock, and are unrefined, like the more decorative varieties. An Azumaya, (sitting house) is for tea ceremonies or for just relaxing and being at one with the beauty of nature. The pond is an integral part of any Japanese garden as are all the elements of nature.