Nestled within a twelve acre landscape “Comprised of winding pathways, meandering streams, koi-filled ponds and plunging waterfalls“ awaits Anderson Japanese Gardens. Located east of the Rock River and north of Downtown Rockford, Illinois, a trip to this garden is a breathtaking and memorable visual experience that will linger. Serenity of nature, indeed…
“Rated as one of North America’s highest quality Japanese gardens for more than a decade”, the artistry found within showcases master craftsmanship and 16th century traditional architecture throughout. Serene bliss for those that appreciate the intricate layers and planned gardens of purpose. This authentic Japanese garden certainly brings forth a meditative state of contemplation and appreciation of nature and its gifts. The walking surfaces vary and the pathways meander one through a landscaped oasis. Oh, the beauty of the stones and the water features! With the placement of every rock, the alignment of every tree, bridges and paths planned, one would think it was always there–part of nature, for certain. Yet this particular Japanese garden only began in 1978 upon what was John & Linda Anderson’s swampy backyard located along Rockford’s Spring Creek. Who could tell that this garden that holds a seemingly magical history was so young? Nature planned that holds a timeless feel of organic and natural beauty. Part of the fabric of the land now. Indeed a treasure for Rockford and a destination for those that appreciate the beauty and serenity of Japanese gardens.
This photographic journey, from behind my lens, offers only a mere sampling of the visuals to behold during the Summer months. In fact, it is not even a whole visual of the garden itself. And of pending season’s change? Oh, the Autumn colors of the Japanese maples that await! The Spring blooms surely offer a heaven sent visual of nature’s appreciation…seasons to bring me back to this oasis of nature, indeed. For certain, a love affair from behind my lens ensued. The beauty of the Japanese garden in the Summer….
Although with appreciation of nature and acknowledgment of the mastery to the art form itself, there truly is no single image that can relay the experience and true understanding of the beauty of these gardens without one actually stepping foot onto nature’s planned yet natural paths of a Japanese garden. It is merely my hope that the images can express a mere essence of the beauty to behold. For in my mind, when I view them, my mind drifts back to the sensations of being surrounded in this lush, cool and stunning surrounds. Inspiration, onward, indeed…
Onward,
Kristin
“In order to comprehend the beauty of a Japanese garden, it is necessary to understand-or at least to learn to understand-the beauty of stone” -Lafcadio Hearn
“The art of stone in a Japanese garden is that of placement. It’s ideal does not deviate from that of nature” -Jsamu Noguchi
House Appeal 