. . . in which the beginning of visits to three Japanese gardens that I began suddenly posted before it should have. It can be found here My apologies if it was confusing (I’m confused 🙂 )
It is what it is, so, let us walk together across this stone bridge from the Charlotte Pardridge Ordway Japanese Garden at the end of the previous post and travel together to the first of the Japanese gardens I visited.
Watch your step.
One more bridge and then we will be . . .
. . . at the Anderson Japanese Gardens in Rockford, Illinois.
As with many of my adventures in gardens and parks and forests, this was an excursion organized by the Elmhurst Garden Club’s Conservation and Education Committee. This committee, along with the Horticulture Committee, organize most of our trips. I have been wanting to go this garden in ever-so-long, so was as excited to go as these koi were to see us.
I have been to Japanese gardens before, but, this one seemed to be special – and it was.
We had a docent led tour, which made the experience more meaningful and insightful. We had two docents. One of the docents offered to take those who wished on a slightly less strenuous path with fewer steps to climb and places to stumble. Both were knowledgeable and engaging. We were asked to silence our phones, but, encouraged to take photos and to keep our voices low.
Our docent spoke of the elements of Japanese gardens; moving water, placement of living materials, paths, bridges, tranquil spots to sit and reflect, master craftsmanship and reverence for nature.
The garden was imagined by John Anderson as a young student and grew over the years. It was when he returned home from a trip to the Portland Japanese Garden in 1978 that he was inspired to turn his swampy back yard into a Japanese garden. Hoichi Kurisu, who directed the Portland garden, designed the Anderson garden. It grew over the subsequent years and was donated to the Rockford Rotary Charitable Association in 1998.
This was a most delightful tour, followed by a most delicious lunch in the restaurant on the grounds and good conversation with kindred spirits. The food, our next project or trip, books – everything that women talk about with laughter in the traveling sisterhood of gardeners, followed by the restroom, the gift shop and then the return ride home.
As I left the Rotary Botanical Gardens, mentioned in my previous post, I thought of the other two Japanese gardens. Each was designed in the Japanese tradition, each unique yet distinctive of this honored form of gardening. They were all tranquil and gently led me to a bench or large rock where I sat for spell and listened to the water, the birds, the whisper of leaves.
The gardens shared some facts. Benevolent gifts of land and of funds made them possible. Swamps, dumps and land used for other purposes were artfully developed into what we see today. Two were eventually donated to Rotary clubs. One (at the Como conservatory) was a gift of the people Nagasaki. These Japanese gardens were all close to industrial areas and all provide tranquility and peace for a small donation – or free. Two of them were conceived in the late 1970’s, the Anderson garden just a decade later. I visited two of them as the opportunity arose while traveling through three midwestern states.
They all gifted me a sense of peace in a troubled world – and I gladly accepted it.
Have you visited a Japanese garden – near you, while traveling?
Is there a Japanese garden near you?
Oh, Penny! Places of quiet beauty and peace feel more important than ever in our unsettled world. It is such a blessing that you found all three Japanese gardens to enjoy.The guided tour must have been so insightful. Now you will notice even more garden features to enjoy on future visits! We always enjoy visiting the Japanese garden at the Chicago Botanic Gardens.
Wishing you a peaceful Sunday, my friend!💗
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They sure do, Dawn. It was a rather lucky set of circumstances that had me visiting three in a row. 🙂 The Japanese Garden at the Botanic is such a peaceful place. I haven’t been there in awhile and your words remind me to set aside time to go. Have you ever been to the Japanese Garden in Jackson Park? It’s worth the time. It’s very close to the Museum of Science and Industry. Both were part of the Columbian Exposition. Some of my book group friends (and my daughter) went some years ago for The Devil and the White City tour. The garden is hidden and it is beautiful. Hope all is well with you, Dawn. Thanks for commenting.
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If I had a lot of money, lots of space and lots of energy I’d create a Japanese garden. The sheer simplicity and calm that grow out of such a haven would be my idea of heaven.
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I would, too, Friko. I am a fussy sort of gardener and could use the simplicity of a Japanese garden.
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I mentioned in your last post that I visited the Japanese Garden at Como Park. So tranquil.
What a treat to see your photos from Rockford. I love how you combined the photos from these gardens. So creative. I’m glad you had these experiences.
Many years ago, I visited some gardens in Suzhou–my first experience with the Eastern idea of a garden. It was nice to shift my expectations.
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You did, and I am happy to hear that you’ve been there, L. Marie. Should you be back in the Twin Cities, try to go to Eloise Butler. It’s a wildflower garden I think you might like. Back to Como – you are so right that the Japanese garden is tranquil.
I hope you can see the Anderson Japanese garden sometime. There is much there to take in and it is tranquil.
Your visit to gardens in Suzhou must have been exceptional. I love when my own expectations shift though not always at the time, especially if I”m challenged. It is when I’ve experienced growth that is good.
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Your photos are lovely and I can almost hear the trickling water features and birds calling as you sat in tranquility for a few minutes! I’ve been to a Japanese garden in San Francisco and one in Co. Kildare, Ireland so I have an idea of their allure.
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Thank you, Janet. I would love to see either of those Japanese gardens. Did you ever go to the one in Jackson Park?
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The Huntington Library and Botanical Gardens has a lovely Japanese garden, Penny. Mrs. Huntington had it placed on the estate, and it is like walking into another world. I think your observation that your Japanese garden experience offered you a sense of peace in troubled times was just the perfect immersive experience. Your photos are absolutely lovely. It moves me to think of the individuals who had the foresight to carve out of their own “swampy” land such an oasis. I hope you’ll have a chance to visit again!
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I was hoping you would mention the Huntington. I wish I had seen it many years ago when I was there with Katy. Was the estate already developed when Mrs. Huntington added the Japanese garden?
Thank you, Debra. I’m hoping so, too. I’d love for Tom to see it and I now that Jennifer wants to see it. Hmmm. . .
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How exquisite! Thank you Penny. I wish we had one here.
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You are very welcome, Juliet. I wonder if you do have at least one near you. I’m thinking New Zealand had some Asian influences over time. I think you would appreciate the peace and tranquility of a Japanese garden as well as how much care is taken in the placement of trees and stones.
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could spend all day here!
🙆💖
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It was hard to move on to the next garden. 🙂 Thank you for commenting.
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We have a wonderful Japanese garden in San Francisco. Your garden looks beautiful.
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I can imagine the Japanese garden in San Francisco. I’d love to see it some day, Gerlinde. Thank you.
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Lovely posts, Penny. I’ve been wanting to see the Anderson Gardens. Now I’ll up the priority on that. The only Japanese gardens I remember seeing are those at the Chicago Botanical Gardens and Fabyan in Geneva. I DO remember the sense of calm and quiet and that they soothed my soul.
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Thank you, Sue – and now Fabian in Geneva is on my radar. Thank you. I am pleasantly surprised at how many Japanese gardens are in our area and know I will be visiting more over time.
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