Blevins Japanese Garden at Cheekwood Estate and Gardens

The Blevins Japanese Garden was first established at Cheekwood Estate and Gardens in the 1970’s. It has undergone a major renovation which added greater accessibility and a more polished enclosure. Phillipe Chadwick discusses the history of the garden and the masterful horticulturalists who have designed and nurtured it. Plant material and natural stone elements are also examined.

Post author By NPT Editorial
Post date August 13, 2020
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Gardener Extras

Groundbreaking was Aug 14, 1977 in honor of Betty Weesner, former president of the Ikebana Intl.-Nashville chapter, who pledged a gift in 1970 in support of a Japanese garden at Cheekwood.
A significant milestone for the garden was the relationship with James Victor & Patty Blevins, owners of Blevins Popcorn Company. During a stay in Japan, Patty, along with the expertise of Yakato Kato, was able to secure four stone artifacts, which were placed according to David Engel's specifications.
In 2012, Melba and Bill Blevins honored their family's vision by generously supporting and commissioning a master plan for the renovation/restoration of the Japanese garden.
Sadafumi Uchiyama was chosen to lead the garden renovation. Respectful of Engel's design, he planned/executed a more polished enclosure, and created greater accessibility.

Gardener Notes

www.cheekwood.org

Phillipe Chadwick

Phillipe Chadwick received a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture from Mississippi State University in 2006. He has worked as a Landscape Architect and managed civic designs for the city of Franklin, TN. He also designed and installed annual and perennial gardens at Cheekwood Botanical Gardens. He currently owns his own landscape maintenance and floral design company.