Goulburn seeks expert advice on Japanese garden for Victoria Park

The calming flow of water has a very special purpose, says landscape designer Tomoki Izumi.

"When people come in, I want people's first impression to be that it's so beautiful," he said.

"I want it to be not just beautiful but a long lasting place that will make people happy and provide healing."

Mr Izumi visited Goulburn last week from Asahikawa, a city of some 400,000 people on the Japanese island of Hokkaido. It's just 56km from Shibetsu, Goulburn's sister-city.

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The 20-year-old relationship has inspired the Shibetsu Garden, designed by Mr Izumi's wife, Remi, for Victoria Park. The project will be centred on the current duck pond and expand slightly south towards the basketball court.

The council has allocated $500,000 towards the garden over two financial years. Corporate and community services director Brendan Hollands said if more was needed, grants officers would seek other funding opportunities.

Last week he accompanied Mr Izumi and interpreter Kazumi Toida, from Cowra, around Goulburn and Canberra, checking out plants and rocks for the project. One stop was Holcim's hardrock quarry at Marulan and another, Gehl's nursery.

Japanese maples, a variety of cherry blossoms, flowering dogwood and possibly azaleas as clearing cover are just some of the plantings. Some 30 to 40 trees will complement the existing ones. Mr Izumu said he did not want to disturb the existing environment.

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A formal entry with two foundation rocks and a stone lantern donated by Shibetsu, both of which are being shipped out next week, are planned. Inside, two gazebos, a series of paths and bridges wind around a koi pond.

Mr Hollands said designers were assessing how much of the existing duck pond could be used. The council is reviewing whether the nearby 'orphans memorial' can be relocated within the park

A picnic area is also proposed on the garden's southern side. Also on this aspect, 18 metres of 90cm high metal fencing resembling bamboo will be erected.

Mr Hollands said the site was also chosen for its proximity to the hospital and as a place for patients to come and relax.

The work is planned across two stages. The first stage will open on November 11 this year, coinciding with a Shibetsu delegation's arrival to celebrate the 20^th anniversary of the sister-city relationship. Shibetsu's Mayor will be among the group.

Remi Izumi, who initially visited Goulburn last February, is hoping to return with her husband for the occasion.

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