A Stunning Japanese Garden

We spent Thursday night in Rockford, Illinois. Isn't that the destination everyone chooses for their 43rd anniversary?!! Actually it is where we spent the first two days of our married life prior to out 3-year honeymoon in Florida. Ray has always called our time living in Florida, our 3-year honeymoon.

On Friday morning we went to Anderson Japanese Gardens. The day was absolutely gorgeous and the gardens are stunning!

Their website says "In our hectic and stressful world, Anderson Japanese Gardens opens minds to a different culture while offering guests a place of peace and tranquility where they will find healing, renewal, inspiration, and a re-energized soul." What a perfect description!

One can spend hours - there are many places to sit and the views in every direction are serene and gorgeous. Notice the reflections in the water.

We met a docent, Michael, and he shared some interesting facts about the garden. We found that the trees and plants are not labeled because this would then be considered a Botanical Garden. He said Anderson Japanese Garden is the top-rated Japanese Garden in North America! 

There weren't many people in the garden - it had just opened - so Docent Michael offered to walk with us. He gave us plenty of time to take the photos we wanted and he even suggested certain shots. He shared his knowledge of the gardens and really enhanced our visit.

We loved the waterfalls.

Docent Michael was kind enough to take out picture.

Here is my favorite photographer taking a picture of the raked gravel.

We had a wonderful visit and hope to return to the gardens in the fall.