Nannen Arboretum

The Nannen Arboretum in Ellicottville, NY claims to be inspired by Chinese or Japanese elements. The garden has its origins in 1958, when William O. Nannen, a local businessman, conservationist and political leader, donated land to build the new Cornell Cooperative Extension. By 2013, the site had been transferred to the Town of Ellicottville and the Nannen Arboretum Society was established.

Website: https://www.nannenarboretum.com/

There are two distinct Japanese elements, a “replica’ of the Ryoanji Temple stone garden in Kyoto Japan, and the Amano Hashidate Bridge (Bridge in Heaven) at the far end of Nipponica Pond built in 1981. 

The stone garden is a good attempt, but needs some more plantings around it to help enclose it. 

The bridge does not really reflect Japanese bridge construction. The intent was nice, but the bridge today needs serious reconsideration. Nevertheless, the view of the pond and surrounding scenery is impressive.

The pond, now known as Lake Nipponica, was constructed in 1965 as a way of demonstrating good pond design. 

Regardless of the “rustic” nature of this garden, the desire to try and create a Japanese garden experience is noteworthy for its effort. This arboretum needs some love and care, but they are trying. Not bad for an arboretum run mostly by volunteers.