The garden was commissioned by Ella Christie after she returned from her travels to Japan in 1907.
It is one of the few surviving examples of a Taisho-era Japanese garden designed by a woman.
The restoration project required the removal of tons of silt from the pond to restore the original water depth and flow.
The site features a traditional 'Moon Bridge' designed to reflect the full circle when viewed from the water surface.
Many of the original stone lanterns and architectural elements were recovered from the undergrowth during the 21st-century restoration.
The Japanese Garden at Cowden is a seven-acre site originally designed in 1908 by Taki Handa, a Japanese designer, for Ella Christie. It is known as 'Shakkei,' representing a 'borrowed landscape' that incorporates the surrounding Ochil Hills into its visual composition. The garden was created to replicate the aesthetic of a Japanese stroll garden from the early 20th century. Following a period of neglect and vandalism in the mid-20th century, the site underwent a decade-long restoration project starting in 2008. It officially reopened to the public in 2019 to showcase its restored authentic water features, bridges, and stone lanterns. The garden is categorized as a Category A listed site by Historic Environment Scotland.
The view from the main pond path looking back toward the Moon Bridge with the Ochil Hills in the background.
Wear sturdy, waterproof footwear as paths can be uneven and muddy, particularly after rainfall.
Check the official website for pre-booking requirements, as entry capacity is managed for conservation purposes.
Walk the circuit in a clockwise direction to follow the intended narrative flow of the garden design.
Do not attempt to walk on the structural bridges if they are marked as closed for maintenance or conservation reasons.
The garden is closed during the winter months, typically reopening in early spring.
Stay on marked paths to protect the delicate soil structure and rare plantings; avoid feeding wildlife in the pond.
