Japanese-inspired garden is haven of zen tranquillity
FROM the front it may look like any normal home – but behind this house lies an incredible secret.
Garden enthusiast Don Knight has transformed his garden into an incredible Japanese haven with waterfalls, pagodas, and even a koi pool. Hidden on a street in Llantwit Major, the garden is Don’s fourth and, he says, best Asianthemed garden so far after a lifelong obsession with bonsai trees.
The 77-year-old has spent more than £40,000 on his project over the past five years, complete with an oriental koi pond.
The retired instructor said: “Every penny I get I spend on my garden. I don’t even want to think about my electricity bill – the pond has five pumps.”
Keeping the garden is also a full-time job, with delicate plants and fish demanding constant care. Don said: “On days off I spend 12 hours a day there. I used to work away and as soon as I came back I would go to check my bonsai. I’m in the garden even when it’s raining.”
Don owns more than 50 hand-designed Japanese plants after a first failed attempt at 12 years old.
The father-of-two said: “It was in the Daily Mirror in the junior page. There was a guy in the 1950s talking about how to grow a Ming tree in a grape skin.
“When I tried it within two weeks it was green and rotten.”
From there his fascination with the plants has continued to grow, fuelled by a trip to Japan and China.
Don said: “I just fell in love with the culture of the bonsai. My bonsai are my pride and joy. If you go through the patio the pagoda really hits you in the face – it’s just a jungle, Japanese style.”
To replicate the style Don prunes European trees into the design of a Bonsai, sometimes reducing a 40ft tree to 12 inches in height. Now his garden has become something of a legend for green-fingered enthusiasts, with 140 people flocking to the visit on one of last year’s open days.
The garden is part of the National Garden Scheme to raise money for charities including Marie Curie and Macmillans. Guests are treated to an hour-long guided tour and introduction to Japanese culture before being left to explore.
Don said: “People are gobsmacked, I can assure you. I’ve had people come from Somerset and Ireland. I’ve had emails saying that the garden is the best [they’ve] seen. It’s not a big garden but it’s an interesting garden.”
For Don the best part of his garden is the satisfaction it brings. He said: “It makes me feel young and look young. I’m going on 80 but feel 28 at heart.”
Luckily the gardener has the support of his wife. He said: “Anne’s as good as gold and spoils me rotten.”