Gatton Park: Japanese garden to celebrate restoration anniversary

A Japanese garden in the historic park in Surrey is celebrating the anniversary of its restoration with a Blossom Open Day.

Built in 1909 for Sir Jeremiah Colman, the Japanese garden in Gatton Park, Reigate, fell back into disrepair when regular maintenance ceased after the Second World War.

But 25 years ago, the garden was revived after months of research to understand what he had seen.

Louise Miller, chief executive of the Gatton Trust, said: “Most visitors don’t know that just 25 years ago, it was swampy woodland and grass on the edge of the estate.”

A survey of the grounds revealed the layout of paths and structures in the old garden, before work began to remove weeds, dredge the pond, Serpentine Lake and waterfalls and restore a Minka-style tea house where Sir Jeremiah entertained the guests.

The Japanese garden was built by garden designer Edward White.

Mrs Miller said: “It is only because of the vision, hard work and dedication of so many people that visitors can see the garden in its full glory.

“It’s an ongoing project with volunteers working throughout the year to keep Sir Jeremiah’s vision alive.”

Over the years, he also appeared in an early episode of Doctor Who and became the subject of the first episode of the Channel 4 series Lost Gardens with Monty Don in 1999.

The anniversary of the restoration will be celebrated at a Blossom Open Day on April 7.

Visitors will be able to see the 100 young cherry trees planted in 2021 as part of the Sakura Cherry Tree Project, which was supported by the Japanese Embassy to celebrate the friendship between the two countries.

Gatton Park covers over 250 hectares and is owned by the Royal Alexandra and Albert School Foundation.