May 2025 Gardening Day – Small Crew, Huge Haul: Acer Rescue, Bamboo Battles & Five Ton Bags of Carex at Hammersmith Park’s Japanese Garden of Peace

Sunday 18  May rolled in with gentle sunshine and a breeze that carried the first scent of summer. Our lean squad of just six volunteers might have looked modest on paper, yet the proof of our effort rumbled away behind the council van’s swinging doors: one truck of bamboo, bramble and mixed green waste.

In total we clocked 24  volunteer‑hours, continued a restoration project that began in 2010 and kept the momentum of April’s record‑breaking session alive.

The Highlights

Acer Bed | Sparkling Again

Nestled among a few wandering brambles and weeds, our second Japanese red acer (Acer palmatum ‘Atropurpureum’) just needed a little tidy‑up. Two volunteers gently teased out the intruders, snipped a couple of suckers and made the bad sparkling again.

Rose & Low Bamboo | Light Makeover

With buds already swelling, the venerable rose beside the pond needed just a light spring haircut. We thinned out a few crossing stems and nipped the tips. Nearby, the low bamboo mound was trimmed into a neat, even cushion, giving a clean, consistent line for visitors walking around the Garden.

Bamboo Battle | East Railings Edition

If April saw the bamboo “boss‑fight”, May felt like the bonus level. The stand along the east‑side railings had become a curtain thick enough to blot out views of the pond. Using sharp tools and patience, we started thinning culms and lifting foliage to shoulder height. The transformation lets sunlight peek through while retaining wind‑born music from the rustling leaves. We're not done here, and we'll be coming back to it next month.

Sadly, we also had to remove quite a few half‑snapped canes— we know that canes are irresistible to curious children, but can be dangerous while snapping and if left around broken. New shoots will be allowed to mature for a three‑year rotation that keeps the grove healthy and the profile full.

Pond‑Side Carex | Five Ton Bags Removed

With bamboo finally starting to bow to our will, a new invader stepped into the spotlight: Carex pendula and assorted sedges colonising the south bank of the pond. Over four hours, we forked out dense mats, teasing roots free from neighbouring plants. By the end, we had filled five industrial ton bags, uncovering plants that had been light‑starved. The pond margin now feels wider, and dragonflies immediately began scouting the freshly opened water.

Why these wins matter

Every truck‑load removed nudges the Garden closer to the tranquil vision unveiled at the 1910 Japan–British Exhibition, when London first fell in love with cherry blossom and stone lanterns. By keeping invasive species in check and showcasing authentic pruning techniques such as niwaki and cloud‑pruning, we honour the garden’s heritage and inspire thousands of annual visitors.

Looking ahead – June tasks

Our June volunteering day will focus on:

1. Finishing bamboo cleanup along the east railings

2. Continuing carex removal toward the rock garden

3. First blanketweed skim once tadpoles graduate to froglets
   

Tools, gloves and guidance are provided—no experience needed. Bring sturdy shoes, enthusiasm and a refillable water bottle.

Arigatō gozaimasu to May’s mighty half‑dozen. See you beneath the red acer in June! 🍁

April 2025 Gardening Day – Record Volunteers, Bamboo Breakthroughs & a Truck‑Load of Green Waste at Hammersmith Park’s Japanese Garden of Peace

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!

A Spring Awakening at London’s Historic Japanese Garden in Hammersmith Park

Spring 2025 is finally here, bringing renewed energy to care for the Japanese Garden of Peace at Hammersmith Park—the oldest publicly owned Japanese garden in the United Kingdom. This living legacy, established for the 1910 Japan-British Exhibition, remains a symbol of over a century of Japan-UK cultural exchange. In March, our volunteers (including four newcomers) met under clear skies to give the Garden a fresh start for the new season.

Taming the “Bamboo Secret Hideout”

Our first big task was thinning the tall bamboo in the southeast corner—charmingly called the “bamboo secret hideout.” Beloved by children, this tucked-away grove had become a bit too dense. By removing older canes, we made room for healthy new shoots while preserving the sense of playful seclusion. We’ll be back soon to complete the thinning, so it stays safe, accessible, and enchanting.

In spots where we’d pruned bamboo last year, volunteers removed any dead or damaged canes. This approach opens up space for summer growth, keeping the canopy neat and reflecting the careful balance of nature and artistry that defines a Japanese garden.

Shaping the Low Bamboo Along the South Fence

Meanwhile, our volunteers also addressed the low bamboo along the fence on the south side. Over time, it had begun to bulge outward, so we carefully trimmed it back to restore its neat, straight shape. This tidy border lets the Garden retain its unique charm—especially as new shoots appear in the coming months.

We also opened up narrow pathways through low bamboo near the stream on the left side. Not only do these mini-trails invite more exploration, but they help us reach a large rose bush that’s ready for pruning—just as soon as its spring blooms have faded.

Managing Overgrown Carex on the Pond Banks

The Garden’s pond is a focal point for visitors, and Carex (a locally common plant) had spread aggressively along the water’s edge. We removed enough to prevent it from overtaking other species, while still preserving some carex for environmental variety. By striking this balance, we keep the pond healthy, visually appealing, and in keeping with the design of a serene Japanese garden in West London.

Keeping the Streams Clear

A hallmark of many Japanese gardens is the gentle sound of running water. Our volunteers got into the right-hand stream to clear out weeds and debris, allowing water to flow freely and ensuring a healthy aquatic environment. We’ll revisit this task regularly to maintain the Garden’s signature sense of calm, supported by the soothing sound of clean, running water.

Welcoming New Volunteers

One of the day’s best highlights was greeting four new volunteers, who joined forces with our long-time members. Every extra pair of hands makes a difference, and the blend of fresh perspectives and seasoned expertise adds to the Garden’s welcoming spirit. Whether hauling bundles of trimmed bamboo or offering gardening tips, everyone contributed to our friendly team dynamic.

Looking Ahead

With our March 2025 session wrapped up, we’re already planning for the next round of tasks:

1. Finishing Bamboo Thinning: We’ll wrap up the work in the “bamboo secret hideout” so it stays inviting, not overgrown.

2. Rose Bush Pruning: Once its blooms have faded, the large rose by the stream will get the attention it needs for long-term health.

3. Ongoing Pond & Stream Maintenance: We’ll continue controlling carex, clearing weeds, and monitoring the water’s flow for the sake of fish and plant life.

4. Community Building: We look forward to seeing more volunteers—from curious novices to gardening gurus—join our efforts in the months ahead.

How to Get Involved

• Volunteer Days: Check our website or social media for the upcoming schedule. We typically gather monthly in spring and summer.

• Follow Us Online: Stay updated on all our gardening activities, special events, and transformation photos from the heart of this historic Japanese garden in London.

• Share the News: Help us spread the word to fellow nature enthusiasts about the Friends of the Japanese Garden of Peace and our mission to preserve this unique cultural landmark.

By working together each month, we’re ensuring that the Japanese Garden of Peace at Hammersmith Park remains a vibrant oasis for everyone to enjoy—a living embodiment of Anglo-Japanese friendship and a tranquil refuge amidst London’s bustle. We can’t wait to welcome you at our next volunteer day!