The Western Japanese Garden

Chicago Botanical Gardens

Water is a major component of any Japanese garden.  The ponds and waterfalls are located in precise orientation with respect to the sun to determine how it will be reflected by the water.

The sound of waterfalls adds to the soothing nature of Japanese gardens.  At the Chicago Botanical Gardens (CBG) the cascading waterfall is very unique.  You start at the top and take a path down to view separate parts of the cascade. Take the bridge to the island then turn around and observe the waterfall from further away.  Along the path you come across a fountain with slow dripping water from a bamboo pipe.  It is located in a dark corner for you to contemplate the sound and observe ring pattern and light from each drop.

In Japan, the house and garden are meant to have a certain integration, with the building being positioned to frame the garden scene. The garden in a Japanese traditional context is an unfolding work of art. It is not intended in which to relax or play. 

Note the rocks and stones in the garden, stream, or pond. They anchor the garden to the ground and give it personality. Rock and stone play a major role in a Kaaresansui garden. 

Gravel is raked into patterns representing waves and rocks or mounds may represent a mountain or an island.  The Kaaresansui garden at CBG contains stepping stones for your eye to travel to the edge of this garden leaving you with a mysterious feeling.  Plantings and lanterns are also used in the Kaaresansui garden.

A pond isn’t complete without water lilies or lotus. The water plants as well as land plants are associated with moving thoughts and the universal forms of life. Water lilies float on the surface while lotus grows with a strong stem anchored at the bottom of the pond.

The Anderson Japanese Garden (AJG) in Rockford IL has some excellent features. It also is a top rated garden in the U.S.  You enter their garden through an enormous gate.  Note the stone pagoda in the entrance.  It echoes the roofline of the gate.  Although not a traditional Tori gate it is representative of a Mas Imazui gate.

Below the waterfall at AJG, the pond contains what are known as living flowers or Koi. Koi are a colored form of Amur carp crossbred for over 100 years. Koi can live a long time; some can live up to fifty years. In Japan they are a symbol of strength and tenacity.

Anderson Japanese Garden