St Ives couple open Japanese-themed garden up to public

Dawn and Terry Heaver, who have never been to Japan, began cultivating the three-quarter-acre plot after being inspired by a visit to a botanical gardens.

Their garden in St Ives, Dorset, is now enclosed by evergreen trees and features a waterfall, an ornamental 5,000sq ft lake, two shinto torii gates, an Oriental pagoda and Japanese stone ornaments including a tiered tower and foo dogs.

They have spent thousands of pounds planting hundreds of vibrant azaleas, acers, various breeds of rhododendron bushes and traditional Japanese cloud trees.

Japanese garden at the home of Terry and Dawn Heaver in St Ives, Dorset. (Image: BNPS)

Though the garden is inspired by Japanese horticulture, the couple admit they have no interest in travelling to Asia as they have their “own version” in their back yard.

Dawn, 67, said: “When we first moved here from Harrow in 1994 we went to Compton Acres in Poole and we just loved their Japanese garden. But some people have told us that ours is even better.

“If we ever sold the house, which we never will, we would have to advertise it as a garden with a house at the front of it.

“Terry even says wants his ashes scattered around the garden when he's gone, but I tell him he'll ruin the plants.

Dawn and Terry Heaver in their Japanese garden in St Ives, Dorset. (Image: BNPS)

“We're not really interested in visiting Japan – why go when we have our own version in our back garden?”

Most of the plants have been purchased by the couple from within the UK.

Terry, who ran his own central heating business until retiring five years ago, admitted that he had lost count of the amount of money they had spent on the project.

The 72-year-old spends a couple of hours each day maintaining the garden’s pristine condition.

Dawn and Terry will soon be opening their private oasis to members of the public as part of the National Garden Scheme.

Japanese garden at the home of Terry and Dawn Heaver in St Ives, Dorset. (Image: BNPS)

Money from entrance fees, drinks and cake sales on the day will go towards the NGS and Great Ormond Street Hospital, where their adult son Carl was once treated as a child.

Terry and Dawn have raised more than £13,000 for charity opening their garden to the public in previous years.

This year, it will be open on May 14, June 25, July 30 and August 27.

Visit findagarden.ngs.org.uk/garden/36717/22-avon-avenue for more information.