Not in China Just Yet

Unbeknownst to me, Rockford is home to nationally-renowned, authentic Japanese Gardens. Anderson Japanese Gardens is the beautiful result of more than three decades of collaboration between John Anderson and landscape garden designer Hoichi Kurisu. 

Mr. Anderson had traveled to Japan in 1966, and was captivated by the tranquility, grace, and elegance of the gardens there. Back in the U.S. in 1975, Mr. Anderson was cleaning up the land and spring-fed pond around his newly-purchased home near the location of the current gardens, and began to envision building a Japanese-style landscape there. He discovered Mr. Kurisu after visiting the Portland Japanese Garden in 1978--Mr. Kurisu designed and constructed that garden.

Since fall of 1978 Mr. Kurisu has been traveling to Rockford each year to work with Mr. Anderson on the Gardens. Here is a look at some of their work:

The koi pond.

A zen garden outside the guest house.

The tea house.