The Cascade Gardens of Bonsal

From Jungle to Paradise - The Cascade Gardens of Bonsall

Presented by Alan Clements

Alan describes the creation of the gardens which was originally a limestone quarry and lead mine under an 80-foot cliff with a mill-race, stream and woodland.

 Inspired by Japanese gardens and Buddhist philosophy, Alan had a range of influences which included Bressingham’s 5-acre Dell garden and Daisen In garden in Daitokuji monastery Kyoto, Japan.

He tracks the construction and planting of the garden in his attempt to create a peaceful and natural meditation garden out of this dramatic landscape. 

The talk includes photos of the wild land 40 years ago, gardens that have inspired him, initial landscaping, pictures throughout the seasons and the cascades