Ohkuma mayor Toshitsuna Watanabe joined Bathurst mayor Paul Toole in planting the trees 10 years after the garden was created.

Cr Toole said the garden has been lovingly cared for by council’s parks and gardens staff over the years by adding extra plants and features.

“A garden is a wonderful way to recognise the significance of the relationship as it is a permanent reminder of the link between our two cultures,” Cr Toole said.

“The planting of trees here in the garden today symbolises the planting of those seeds of friendship 20 years ago.

“Just like the plants in this garden the sister city relationship has developed and grown and expanded over the years into a beautiful friendship,” he said.

Mr Watanabe said the Ohkuma garden was created in 1998 to celebrate the 10th year of the sister city relationship.

“We are very relieved to see the cherry and plum trees growing so well in the garden,” he said.

“We hope the people of Bathurst will become even more familiar with the Ohkuma garden and use it in new ways in the future.

“I hope they enjoy the cherry blossoms and that they will bloom with beautiful flowers for people to enjoy. And we hope to see some rain to help the trees start off,” Mr Watanabe laughed, looking up at the threatening sky.

Then each member of the delegation came forward to shovel bark chips over the roots of the trees.

A plaque will be set on a rock in the garden commemorating the event.

On Wednesday night the Ohkuma delegation attended the monthly Bathurst Regional Council meeting and a welcome barbecue. The community bells also rang in their honour.

Yesterday they enjoyed tours of the Australian Fossil and Mineral Museum and the National Motor Racing Museum.