I am a volunteer at Anderson Japanese Gardens in Rockford IL, where I answer questions on the garden and point out things of interest that visitors might otherwise miss. I just began as a volunteer this year, so everything is new and exciting. I hope I can provide a few insights into Japanese gardens I am learning from the curator of the garden and the other knowledgeable guides who have been here much longer. I also will be sharing some pictures of the garden I have taken. For more information on the gardens see their website: www://Andersongardens.org.
I am going to share some pictures and comments about the bridges in Japanese gardens. Japanese gardens usually have one or more bridges. Some are stone and some are of wood, usually cedar.
A rustic rural style bridge that blends natural materials into nature.
(Anderson Japanese Gardens, Rockford, IL)
A stone bridge over a very small brook covered with fine gravel.
(Anderson Japanese Gardens, Rockford, IL)
An Earth Covered Bridge along a mountain steam leading to a Tea Garden and Tea House. The path is a metaphor for a journey to a rustic, humble dwelling
in the mountains far from the city.
(Anderson Japanese Gardens, Rockford, IL)
Wood Bridges:
Main bridge leading to the Main Gate and the Pond Strolling Garden.
It crosses over Spring Creek. (Anderson Gardens, Rockford, Il)
A wood bridge across a small stream.
Siberian Irises will soon be in bloom (May).
This is called a Zig-Zag Bridge. The focus of the bridge is bring one's attention to the current moment of time, "being here, now." Only a few rails keep visitors from falling into the pond. Walk with care. Japanese gardens present many contrasts. This is one too, the contrast between solid land and walking over the water. (Anderson Gardens, Rockford, Il)
Cypress Bridge leading visitors to the Garden of Reflection.
This style of garden is a more open garden with several quiet spots
to sit and reflect on your journey. (Anderson Gardens, Rockford, IL)
Countryside Wood Bridge. This bridge crosses the stream that
flows from the Garden of Reflection. Irises, Dogwood and Hydrangea
border the edge of the stream. (Anderson Gardens, Rockford, IL)
A Japanese garden is an idealized copy of nature all in one place. Give yourself plenty of time to enjoy its many facets. It will lift your spirit and make you want to return again and again.
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