The Garden is closed for the season and all of the water features have been drained in preparation for the cold weather ahead. We are fortunate to have been blessed with a few additional unseasonably warm days at the end of the week. We’ve decided to invite Garden Enthusiasts to stroll the paths and enjoy the beautiful garden setting one last time before the onset of winter. We are not charging admission, and the Garden is closed for the season; however, our daily operations continue. Please show your support by making an online contribution today.https://secure.givelively.org/.../anders.../annual-fund-2020Pop-Up Japanese Garden DatesThursday, November 19Friday, November 20Saturday, November 21Sunday, November 229:00 AM – 4:00 PMThe Garden Crew is still busy with fall clean-up. Don’t be surprised to hear backpack blowers and other garden maintenance procedures that we hide from guests during the regular garden season.

Wednesday, November 18, 2020

Top of the West WaterfallCleaning up waterfall basins allowed the Garden crew an opportunity to share this fabulous view!

Tuesday, November 17, 2020

Fresco at the Gardens has discontinued daily breakfast and lunch service until further notice. Franchesco’s will continue to be open for carryout dinner service. Franchesco’s Carryout Orders: 815.229.0800 Ext. 1https://www.franchescosrestaurants.com/franchescos/menusFresco at the Gardens looks forward to welcoming you back. In the meantime, stay healthy!

Monday, November 16, 2020

At the end of the season, there is much work to be done to prepare for winter. One of the most important things is water; all the irrigation lines need to be blown out and water features emptied. The gardeners must catch all the fish at the basin of the West Waterfall and return them to one of the larger ponds for the winter.Here is the koi that tried to jump out of the net. We get it fishy, we love the west waterfall too!https://www.facebook.com/AndersonJapaneseGardens/posts/10157781749206408

Tuesday, November 10, 2020

Hibikorekoujitsu“Everyday is a good day”A UIUC student, Chu Chu shared her interpretation of this Japanese phrase.“Even for the most uneventful days, no two days are exactly the same. A sudden change in the weather might let you crave hot cocoa and remind you to connect with a old friend. If we are paying attention, the tiniest changes in our surroundings can create ripples in our minds.”

Saturday, November 7, 2020

Join Tim as he discusses the “insider’s view” of Anderson Japanese Gardens. Mr. Gruner will look back at the many factors that influenced Garden over the last twelve months. He will share the routine and not so routine, from winter to fall, weather patterns and special projects – they all have an impact on the Garden. Gruner graduated from Kishwaukee College’s Horticulture program in 1987. After graduation, he spent one year as a horticultural intern at Chicago Botanic Garden followed by a year as a grower for the All-American Selection trial at Kishwaukee College. He began working at Anderson Japanese Gardens in 1989 and eventually worked his way up to Garden Curator. He oversees all construction and horticulture activities within the Gardens. He currently serves on the Board of Directors of the North American Japanese Garden Association.https://www.facebook.com/AndersonJapaneseGardens/posts/10157772555071408

Friday, November 6, 2020

A gate to nature is a gate to heaven! —Mehmet Murat Ildan

Tuesday, November 3, 2020

Congratulations to Anita, who is celebrating the end of her 25th season volunteering at Anderson Japanese Gardens! She has been a wonderful asset to the Gardens, and we look forward to celebrating more anniversaries with Anita in years to come. Anita says, “Thank you for the opportunity to be a docent at AJG for 25 years. Each year the Gardens provides me with a new challenge, new discoveries, and the opportunity to meet people who enrich my life.I often think of the Zig Zag Bridge as a metaphor for life. Life is never a straight path; we must accommodate our changing world. But in the end we have enough strength to get from one point to another.”Congratulations, Anita, on 25 years!

Monday, November 2, 2020

Ginkgo biloba, or Maiden hair trees are a wonderful shade tree, considered to be the world’s oldest living species of tree.Their fan-shaped leaves turn the most beautiful golden yellow in the fall and they all drop on the same day, creating a circle of yellow at the base of the tree.They are planted around temple sites in Japan and are so strong they were the only trees to survive following the Hiroshima atomic bomb attack.

Friday, October 30, 2020

Just Announced - Extended Garden Season!Next week’s weather forecast is fantastic, so we are extending the Garden Season through Sunday, November 8. Open Daily 9A – 5P. Reservations Encouraged. Walk-Ins Welcome.https://andersongardens.org/entry-reservations/

Thursday, October 29, 2020