Garden Adventures with FOPCON Executive Director Judy Klem
With several friends visiting from out of town last week, we decided to take a drive to Rockford, Illinois, to explore the Anderson Japanese Gardens. What a pleasant surprise to have this stunning and peaceful garden 1.5 hours from Oak Park. Within steps inside the garden, you felt like you were swept far away to Japan.
According to the Anderson Japanese Gardens website, “three of the essential elements used to create a Japanese garden are stone, which forms the structure of the landscape; water, representing life-giving force; and plants, which provide the color and changes throughout the seasons. Japanese gardens are very carefully designed and patiently pruned according to aesthetic principles to create a work of natural art that inspires calm, renewal, discovery, and an invigorated soul.”
My friends and I happened to visit during their once-a-month “Donation Days,” which did not require paid admission. With FOPCON’s reciprocal offer through the American Horticulture Society, Anderson Japanese Gardens will honor free admission for FOPCON members when they present their membership cards. Tip: If you plan to visit, be sure to reserve lunch at their lovely cafe overlooking the gardens.
Next on our day’s adventure was the Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens. A short drive from the Japanese Gardens and built in 2006, this Conservatory is situated along the banks of the beautiful Rock River, with an extensive outdoor garden and lovely walking paths. I showed my FOPCON membership card and was granted free admission to this garden. Short on time, we made only a brief stop here and will note it for a future visit.
Finally, to round out our day, we scheduled a tour of the incredible Frank Lloyd Wright Laurent House. Built in the 1950s, the Kenneth and Phyllis Laurent House is one of only 11 semi-circular Usonians in Wright’s extensive portfolio of work. It is also the only home designed by the famed architect to be wheelchair accessible. It was exciting to learn they are about to implement a commissioned garden on the property by local Oak Park landscape architects, CYLA Design Associates.
We were so surprised by our visit to Rockford, Illinois, gardens and homes. We even made a quick stop at the Rockford Art Museum while there. I will definitely return with my family for another visit.
Your membership to The Friends not only supports our local nonprofit organization, but it also takes you places near and far where you can explore and enjoy over 400 gardens and conservatories nationwide. To learn more about our membership benefits or to join, click here.
Please share your unexpected visits to gardens with us, and we would be happy to feature your story and photos in a future blog.
