April’s second volunteer day of 2025 was nothing short of inspiring. Under mild spring sunshine, thirteen enthusiastic volunteers—our biggest turnout since the group began—gathered at Hammersmith Park to give the historic Japanese Garden of Peace a seasonal lift.
With extra hands on deck we powered through our task list, leaving little time for the usual before‑and‑after photography. Luckily, one shot captured the day’s effort perfectly: a council truck overflowing with bamboo, weeds and prunings ready for composting. Proof positive that teamwork makes a visible difference!
Bamboo Project | Secret Hideout Revitalised
Cloud‑pruning bamboo canes is slow, meticulous work, but the results are worth it. Over the past few sessions, we have been thinning the dense grove that shelters our much‑loved secret hideout. In April, we removed the final heavy culms, lifted the canopy and shaped soft “clouds” of foliage. The space now feels open, with filtered light glinting off the pond and a gentle breeze rustling the leaves—ideal for quiet reflection or a moment of shade on hotter days. Next month we’ll turn our attention to the remaining bamboo along the railing to complete the transformation.
Pond Care | Tadpoles Take Priority
Two volunteers arrived armed with waders, ready to tackle the blanketweed that creeps across the pond each spring. Yet as soon as we peered into the water, it became clear the pond was hosting hundreds of lively tadpoles. Disturbing them—or any unseen frogspawn—would have jeopardised our amphibian residents, so the blanketweed removal has been postponed until the tadpoles graduate to froglets. It was a welcome reminder that caring for a Japanese garden means nurturing wildlife as diligently as plants.
Rose Bush Restoration | Light Spring Prune
Attention then shifted to the venerable climbing rose beside the pond, freed from low bamboo only last month. A gentle spring prune removed dead or crossing stems, encouraging healthy airflow and promising a flush of blossoms come early summer. One brave volunteer endured a few thorn pricks to pull the final bamboo shoots from the base—painful work, but the rose is already happier for it. A deeper structural prune will follow once flowering has finished.
Streamside Cleanup | Summer‑Long Task Begins
The paired streams that weave through the garden are a classic feature of Japanese design, symbolising life’s flow. Keeping them free of debris ensures water—and koi, when visible—can move unhindered. Volunteers knelt along the banks to tease out invasive weeds and trim overhanging grasses. This maintenance will become a monthly ritual through summer, preserving clear reflections.
Gateway Beds | First Phase of Restoration
Visitors’ first glimpse of the Japanese Garden of Peace is through the main gate, flanked by two long‑neglected beds. April marked the first phase of their revival. Armed with loppers, hand saws and plenty of enthusiasm, we stripped ivy from tree trunks, lifted out dead shrubs and created breathing space around younger plantings. We’re grateful to Graham and Tom from the Japanese Garden Society, who joined us to guide selective pruning and recommend future planting ideas that honour Japanese aesthetics while thriving in West London’s climate.
Why Volunteer?
Beyond the practical progress, the day was fuelled by laughter, shared snacks and conversation ranging from pruning techniques to the 1910 Japan‑British Exhibition that first brought this garden to life. Volunteering here offers a chance to learn traditional Japanese horticultural methods, connect with neighbours and play a hands‑on role in protecting one of London’s hidden historic gems.
Looking Ahead
Our May volunteer day will focus on:
Finishing the bamboo work along the railing beside the secret hideout
Removing blanketweed once the pond’s tadpoles have safely matured
Ongoing streamside weeding and monitoring
If you’d like to join, keep an eye on our social channels or sign up to the Friends mailing list. All tools are provided and no prior experience is necessary—just sturdy footwear, enthusiasm and a willingness to learn.
About the Friends
The Friends of the Japanese Garden of Peace was formed in 2010 to safeguard and celebrate the garden created for the 1910 Exhibition. We work in partnership with the London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham, residents and Japanese cultural organisations. Volunteer days run monthly from spring to autumn.
Thank you to every volunteer who made April’s session such a success. We look forward to welcoming familiar and new faces alike under the freshly cloud‑pruned bamboo in May!
