Mukoujima Hyakkaen

1)
This is a garden where you can experience the Japanese atmosphere, with events that change with the seasons. The magnificent 30-metre-long bush clover tunnel blooms in autumn!

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Built during the Bunka and Bunsei periods (1804–1830), the garden reflects the flourishing culture of Edo-period townspeople. Sawara Mariko, a former antique dealer, built it.

3)
With the help of literati and artists from Edo with whom he was friends, he built and opened a 'private flower garden' centred on the appreciation of flowering plants on the former site of the Taga clan, samurai vassals, in Mukojima, which was their former residence.

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Initially, the garden was primarily composed of 360 plum trees and was known as the 'New Plum House', in contrast to the renowned Plum House at Seikoan Aza Garyuuume in Kameido.

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Later, Mariko collected famous plants mentioned in Chinese and Japanese classics, such as the 'Book of Songs' and the 'Manyōshū', including the 'Miyaginohagi' and 'Tsukuba Pampas Grass', to ensure flowers bloomed throughout the seasons.

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According to one theory, the name 'Hyakkaen' means 'a garden where a hundred flowers bloom in profusion throughout the year' or 'the plum blossoms bloom before the other flowers'.

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Created by leading intellectuals of the time, Hyakkaen is a garden rich in literary references. It has a beauty that sets it apart from feudal gardens such as Koishikawa Korakuen and Rikugien.

8)
In October 1978, it was designated a national scenic spot and historic site under the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as amended by the Cultural Properties Protection Act of 1978.

9)
The garden exudes rustic charm, with flowers blooming throughout the year. Starting with plum blossoms, daffodils, and Adonis flowers in early spring, the garden features wildflowers in spring, summer, and autumn, as well as bush clover in autumn, all creating a vibrant display of nature's beauty.

10)
Seasonal events are held in the garden, including the Seven Herbs of Spring, large-flowered morning glory exhibitions, insect-listening events, and moon-viewing events, allowing you to experience the atmosphere of the four seasons in Japan. To enjoy the garden, visit the Mukojima Hyakkaen official website to check out the upcoming events and attend one of them.

11)
Also, the Sumida River Seven Lucky Gods in Mukojima have been as famous as those in Yanaka since the Edo period, and a tour of the Seven Lucky Gods at the beginning of the year has become an annual event. Fukurokuju, one of the Sumida River Seven Lucky Gods, can be found in the Hyakkaen Garden.

[4K HDR ROSE] Keisei Rose Garden Spring 2025. A place where roses reveal their proper form.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N_fJZ49ncx8&t=22s

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Balloch Castle Country Park
Countryside Ranger Service, Balloch Castle Country Park, Drymen Road, Balloch, West Dunbartonshire, G83 8LX

https://www.west-dunbarton.gov.uk/leisure-parks-events/parks-and-greenspaces/parks/balloch-castle-country-park/

Balloch Castle Country Park is one of the finest public spaces in the West of Scotland with fantastic views over Loch Lomond and plenty of things to see and do.

Balloch Castle Country Park lies on the southeast shores of Loch Lomond, on the northern edge of Balloch, 20 miles north of Glasgow. The park itself comprises 200 acres of semi-natural and ornamental woodland, open parkland, formal gardens, meadow, play parks and shoreline. It is located directly on the south-east shores of Loch Lomond, on the northern edge of Balloch.

The park is quintessentially a 19th century private estate, developed as a park at the beginning of the 20th century. Its design and layout has remained largely unaltered since 1800, at the time the current castle was built. In the park you can explore the Fairy Glen, Chinese Garden, Pleasure Grounds, Quarry Pond, Kitchen Garden, Secret Garden, Woodlands and Parklands. Public toilets are available at Balloch Castle from 09.00am to 2.30pm every day.

A 'Fairy Trail' has also been established in the park by Patrick Muir which utilises the stumps of trees which have had to be felled.

Balloch Country Park is unique in being the only registered historic designed landscape within Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. The Park Authority has some more information on Balloch to help you enjoy your visit even more.

The park plays host to the Loch Lomond Highland Games every July and has been the venue for major concerts including REM, Oasis, and Runrig.

Various improvements were made to Balloch Castle Country Park as a result of a Heritage Lottery Fund Grant for the Boat House and Walled Garden. Please note the walled garden is locked overnight and is usually open between 10am and 3pm each day.

Volunteering
The Council’s Greenspace team are looking for volunteers to help with a variety of conservation projects and maintenance tasks across West Dunbartonshire.

You can find out what opportunities are available on the Volunteer with Greenspace page.