Anderson Japanese Garden

To see what is billed "the finest Japanese garden in North America", a road trip to Rockford, IL was certainly worth it for me and Charles.  Given his fascination with all things Japanese, and my love of the outdoors and beautiful gardens, it was a perfect match.  And who could resist after reading this blurb on their brochure? "Both calming and exuberant, the Gardens exude an incredible regenerative energy.  Perhaps it is a rock arrangement by the pond, or the hush of a breeze filtering through the pines, or the sound of trickling water around a bend...Anderson Japanese Gardens invites everyone to experience the peace, grace and energy for which Japanese gardens are known."

Master Craftsman Hoichi Kurisu designed and built the gardens; he is the same renowned designer who is Director of Landscaping at the Washington Park Gardens in Portland, Oregon.

The link, if you want to see more: http://andersongardens.org/

"As you cross, try to leave your cares and concerns behind.  You are entering a place of peace and tranquility."

Another of several bridges in the Garden. Typically Japanese garden bridges are called "moon bridges" and their purpose is to reflect artistic feelings.

The entire Garden is actually made up of several different styles of smaller traditional Japanese gardens, and a gate is open as you enter each separate area.

The paths through the Garden and the direction in which one should take them are prescribed in the brochure so that one receives the most from the experience.

Streams of water flow throughout the gardens; the softness of water in a garden is often associated with feelings.

Typical and expected statuary in the Garden.

Not so typical statuary!  One of my delights in well designed gardens is coming upon the unexpected.

"When first planted, this willow measured only 1/2" in diameter.  It has witnessed the entire history of the Gardens."

There are two large bodies of water in the Gardens - the Garden of Reflection pond and the Pond Strolling Garden pond.  Both are stocked with beautiful koi.

If I had to choose a favorite spot in the Garden, this would be it.  Charles and I both wished we had been able to climb to the top of the falls, but it was not allowed.  "The visual and audible impact of moving water excites the senses yet aids in calming the spirit."

The pond at the Garden of Reflection

Best bird shot of the day, but I haven't decided what kind it is.  Looks a little fluffy - like a juvenile "something".

Mama and lots of babies on the edge of the pond.  I was disturbed by seeing so many people intentionally getting too close to them.  Rule of thumb for wildlife:  If you are close enough to cause the creatures to change their behavior, you are too close. 

Fortunately, the small island in the middle of the pond allowed mama duck a safe retreat. There were no bridges for people to get to her.

Although Japanese gardens aren't much about blooming flowers, some are incorporated to mark the continual change of seasons.

Every Japanese pond has them, right?

"Angels" by Swedish sculptor Carl Milles.  "...compel us to expand our concept of Japanese gardens beyond traditional symbolism."  (My inner cynic says... that, or some major donor just wanted them there!)  They were very cool and on very tall poles near the main entrance, but I approached them from the rear toward the end of my path.

As I was shooting my artsy photos of the angels, a man approached from the opposite direction on the path and made funny comments about my taking pictures of "angel butts".  I told  him I always liked a different perspective and he then decided they did look pretty great from that angle.  So great that he took a couple of photos himself and said he couldn't wait to show them to his boys, and that it might be the Christmas card photo.

If you are Charles, this is how you continue to recharge your batteries after you stroll through the wonderful Anderson Japanese Garden.  (Sneaky shot by Mom - we had split up to tour the gardens at our own pace and for our own experiences.)