The Start of Beauty
Several business trips took John Anderson to Japan in the 1960s. However, a visit to the Portland Japanese Gardens in Oregon inspired him to develop his swampy backyard, along Spring Creek in Rockford, to give Illinois it’s own piece of Japan. John employed the assistance of designer Hoichi Kurisu, a master craftsman, and in 1978 construction began on the Anderson Japanese Gardens. Every path, tree, and rock placed in the gardens were done so with exact planning.
Anderson Japanese Gardens – Photo by Michael Dwyer
Growing Gardens
Covering 12-acres close to downtown Rockford, additions to the original continue to grow the beautiful landscape, which has become of place of celebration, relaxation, and education. A tea house built in 1986 by Masahiro Hamada, offers visitors a chance to partake in a traditional tea ceremony and the house is used for other special events. The Garden of Reflection was added in 1999 and it’s pond is filled with colorful fish, including koi. In 2005, the main gate was built, also by Hamada, and is said to represent leaving the busy world behind as visitors enter into a place of tranquility and peace.
John Anderson and his wife Linda, donated the gardens to become a supported organization to the Rockford Rotary Charitable Association. Since 1998, it has been a not-for-profit entity.
Happenings
The Secluded Tea House in the Anderson Japanese Gardens – photo by Michael Dwyer
Special events, as with the tea ceremonies, bring visitors into the gardens for more than just the gorgeous scenery. Weddings, concerts, and lectures rotate entertainment throughout the year, while many attend the Opening Day Celebration and the Japanese Summer Festival.
Lectures for adults will educate those interested in everything from growing their own gardens to learning about the Japanese culture. Art classes, Japanese language classes, and Haiku for kids are offered for younger visitors.
The Tuesday Evenings in the Gardens concert series provide music lovers a chance to hear groups from around the world and nearby states, but mostly local Rockford bands fill the air with music notes throughout June, July and August. A fun treat is catching the Miles Nielsen Band (Miles’ father is rock legend Rick Nielsen of Cheap Trick).
If summer travels take you to the Chicago area (about an hour west of Chicago), plan a stop or a long weekend in Rockford – the Anderson Japanese Gardens are just one of the many treats to be found in this Illinois beauty.
Interested in Frank Lloyd Wright – Read about His Little Gem in Rockford.
Miles Nielsen Band performs for Tuesday Evenings at Anderson Japanese Gardens – photo by Michael Dwyer
Events in 2015
Tuesday Evenings, May 26 – August 25
Japanese Summer Festival, August 22-23
Captured on Canvas, September 20
If you Go
Anderson Japanese Gardens
318 Spring Creek Road, Rockford IL 61107
815-229-9390
Rockford, Illinois Tourism
800-521-0849
About Michael Dwyer