MIXED INFLUENCES Alex This is Japanese Garden stop. Here we will explain how Powerscourt came to have an oriental Garden. Sarah This Garden was the last major addition to the gardens by the 8th Lord and Lady Powerscourt in 1908.It was built on reclaimed bogland. It was the family’s most private garden where they liked to relax and hold parties. Anthony Japan first opened up to outsiders in 1853. Westerners were captivated by the poetry and wit of Japanese attitudes to nature. Alex Japanese gardens were soon being created in Europe and America. But gardeners could only imagine Japan and produced their own designs. Anthony The British architect Josiah Conder went to give technical training in Japan. When he returned he published "Landscape gardening in Japan" in 1893. Sarah This book ensured that gardens like Powerscourt and those at the National Stud in Kildare had the basic elements of a Japanese Garden. These included water rills; bridges; stone lanterns; and a tea ceremony pavilion. Alex But in terms of planting it is a free-for-all of colourful exotic species. From the azaleas and cherry blooms in spring, to the Japanese maple trees in autumn. Anthony There is another audio stop with more information on these gardens, at the stone seat perched on the slope overlooking the Japanese Garden. THE GROTTO Anthony The romantic Grotto was created in the 1740s as a shaded mossy retreat. It is built from blocks of fossilised moss. Alex These were taken from the banks of the River Dargle. Sarah It was built so that Georgian ladies could cool off in private. Visitors will also find a family action quest in the Grotto. Groups with children can use the Japanese Garden to play Leaf races and Hide and Seek.