A Return to Anderson Japanese Gardens

Now that I'm finished with my spring vacation travel series, before I go on a new adventure this summer and fall, I thought I'd share a few staycations and small road trips we've enjoyed this year.

For Mother's Day we once again met up with my daughter, son-in-law, and grandchildren in Rockford, Illinois.  It is about a four hour drive for both of us.  We met here once before in 2021.  Then we had only two grandchildren with one on the way.  You can see that post HERE.

2025

2021

Same Spot!

My what a difference a few years make!  In addition to a growing family, the weather was completely different.  Last time we met up it was cold (in the 50's) and overcast.  We also met during Covid.  You needed a reservation to get into the gardens.  Visiting the Japanese Gardens was actually more pleasant then.  It was so crowded this year, and HOT!  The blinding sun also was not the best for photography.  I got much better pictures on our first visit.

It was so hot, everyone needed water before our excursion began.  The kids got a kick out of this natural outdoor drinking fountain.  I would never know we could drink from it had there not been water cups right next to it.

You can purchase food to feed the ducks, geese, and koi.  They are so friendly.  This one walked right up to me.  He probably thought I had food, but I did not. 

The grandsons love climbing all over the rocks in this garden.  This is the perfect garden to take small children to.  There are so many narrow paths for them to run and explore.  Rocks for climbing are in abundance.  Waterfalls, rivers, bridges, waterfowl, koi, and so much more provides lots of interest for them.

If you're interested in more facts about the Anderson Japanese Gardens, I would encourage you to read my 2021 post where I cover more of the garden's history and highlights.   I don't want to just regurgitate everything here again.  I prefer to focus on our more recent experience.

My daughter, her husband, and all their children.

The Lily-of-the-Valley was blooming when we were there.  Mine at home did not bloom till a month later. 

The kids were excited to see turtles; except, I was the only one who noticed them and then pointed them out for the grandchildren.  Everyone else walked right past them thinking they were statues.

I often wonder what the Japanese Gardens would be like other times of the year.  Both times we were there, it was spring so all their azaleas and rhododendrons were in bloom.  Japanese Gardens aren't known for their flowers, so is it mostly green in the summer?  I don't know.

My daughter was envious of my hat so I let her try it on.  I thought it went great with her dress!

I can't believe how close this goose came to the boys!

Throwing small pebbles into the lake with grandpa.

Although there aren't any sweeping flower gardens in Japanese Gardens there is so much color and interest with all the different types of foliage.

There are many Japanese style buildings throughout the gardens.

It was so hot, my daughter and her children  enjoyed getting their feet wet.

It was exciting to see a mommy duck with her babies!

My son with three of the grandkids. 

The waterfalls are always a sight to behold!

Young love!

They have lots of rocks and boulders in Japanese Gardens.  I love how the delicate blossoms contrast with the hard rock.

After our day at the gardens, it was now time to cool down at the pool.  I dipped in the pool earlier, so I was just enjoying watching everyone else.

 It was a great Mother's Day weekend.  We first met at a nearby park for a picnic lunch before heading over to the gardens.  After the gardens we checked into our hotel then had dinner at Olive Garden.  I hadn't been there in years, and the grandchildren really seemed to enjoy it.  We enjoyed the pool both at night and again in the morning, then we headed out for brunch and said our goodbyes.  It's always hard to say to goodbye, but we have many memories to carry us through till we meet again.

Have A Great Day!  Amy

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