Explore Tranquility and Serenity at a Beautiful Japanese Garden

Located in the heart of Rockford, Illinois lies the beauty and serenity of the Anderson Japanese Gardens. I only recently heard about this Japanese garden despite having lived here most of my life. Hubby and I took a day to visit the gardens which is just an hour from our house – perfect for a day trip.

 

When you look at points of interest in brochures or on websites, the photos always look enticing but sometimes what you see is not what you get (meaning you walk away a little disappointed from what you expected). I’m happy to say that the Anderson Japanese Garden did not disappoint. The grounds are well manicured, clean, and beautiful.

 

The 12-acre garden has been rated one of North America’s highest quality Japanese gardens for more than a decade. I love that it offers a journey of gardens, complete with waterfalls, ponds, and koi. It’s not overly crowded like some botanical gardens, which enhanced the serenity of its spaces.

 

I once wrote an article for a magazine about a Japanese garden and one thing I learned while researching is that use of color is kept to a minimum. The design aesthetic uses a lot of green paired with textures and shapes. Even the placement of rocks carries subtle meaning.

This simple yet charming fountain had a basket of dixie cups nearby so you could enjoy a drink of water. The sound of the gentle flow of water was soothing and perfect for the surroundings.

 

The Japanese garden has a few structures throughout the twelve acres, which you can rent for weddings and other special events.

 

The garden is designed in such a way that no matter where you are, you experience unique and enchanting views.

 

Japanese bridges guide you through a calming journey beneath trees and over streams and ponds.

 

A close-up view of a small waterfall reveals mossy rocks in shaded areas. You’d often hear the sound of water before discovering its source around a bend in the path.

 

Next to the waterfall was a quaint Japanese tea house.

 

From across one of the larger koi ponds, you see a Japanese bridge, a Dai-dōrō (stone lantern) in the foreground at right, and a stone tower in the background at left. Note the use of textures and shades of green. You won’t find masses of flowers in a Japanese garden.

 

A path leads to the 7-layer stone pagoda for a closer look.

 

Japanese fountains like this are located in various corners of the gardens.

 

The largest waterfall is quite mesmerizing and impressive. Note the bridge at the top of the falls. The water cascades into a small pool before flowing into a second waterfall.

 

Openings through the trees allow sunlight to hit the waterfalls and create a sparkling effect.

 

A closer look reveals the large mossy rock in the middle of the pooling area.

 

Throughout the Japanese garden are simple structures that provide rest and shade, a place to reflect and enjoy the calmness and serenity.

 

Hostas mix with a variety of other shade-loving plants along a gentle stream.

 

Unfortunately for the fish, we spied a few herons looking for lunch.

 

Another arched bridge traverses a larger stream surrounded by lush plantings. The path leads back to the visitor’s center which has a nice garden shop and cafe overlooking one of the koi ponds.

 

If you’re in the area, it’s worth a visit to the Anderson Japanese Gardens in Rockford. You can use the North American Japanese Garden Finder to locate a garden near you.