The formal and axial arrangement of the architectural features stands in contrast to the more informal and natural planting – a juxtaposition consistent with that of the gardens created in England during the reign of Edward VII. Built in 1920, the garden was remarkably modern in its time, comparable to other garden designs in the first quarter of the 20th century. The architectural sophistication of the individual pavilions suggests that they were inspired by pattern books, with minor local adaptations. Surrounding the planting areas along the path's perimeter are sunken flower gardens with large ponds at their center.
History
Located in Kaiser Mahal which is across the street from the former Royal Palace at the entrance to the Thameltourist area, the Garden was made famous as the Garden of Six Seasons created for Field Marshal Kaiser Sumsher Rana, in early 1920. The Garden, which featured a design inspired by the Edwardian style, was considered one of the most sophisticated private gardens of that time. Landscape architect Kishore Narshingh, designer of Singha Durbar and architect to Shumsher's father, the Maharaja, designed and supervised the construction of the Garden of Dreams. Within the Garden walls are pavilions, fountains, decorative garden furniture, and European-inspired features such as verandas, pergolas, balustrades, urns, and birdhouses. Each of the six pavilions, which provide the Garden's architectural framework, is dedicated to one of the six seasons in Nepal. After the death of Kaiser Sumsher, the garden was handed over to the government of Nepal, but it was not properly managed for decades. Today, only half of the original garden remains.
Renovations, 2000-2007
After decades of neglect resulting in crumbling pavilions, overgrown paths and loss of the subtropical flora, restorations were undertaken between 2000 and 2007 with the support of AustrianDevelopment Aid in collaboration with the Nepal Ministry of Education. Implemented by Eco Himal. the renovation project has become a model project for the sustainable development of other historic sites. The garden, in its design and literary allusions, is linked to the collections of books about gardening, architecture, and literature, in Kaiser Shumsher's library. With the restoration now complete, the garden has also been updated with the addition of modern facilities as well. In its reformed state it provides an oasis of peace and tranquility within the urban bustle of Kathmandu, and continues to be a tourist landmark.
