Sonnenberg Gardens

The park is a 52 acre site that was once the home of Frederick Ferris Thompson (a prominent 19th century banker) and his wife Mary Clark Thompson. The house was built in 1887 and the gardens added by Mrs Thompson between 1902 - 1919 after the death of Frederick.

There are nine (out of ten) remaining gardens open to the public. I visited because I was interested in seeing the Japanese Garden. The garden was constructed in 1906 in just six months and was designed by the Japanese landscape artists K. Wadamori. 

Website: https://www.sonnenberg.org/

The Tea House was completed in 1908 and was modeled after one in Kyoto that was subsequently destroyed by fire. 

 

In 1915 the main pool was enlarged and filled with water lilies. In addition, a small stream that was fed by a fountain just beneath the columned "Glorietta" structure at the corner of the Italian Garden (higher up and nearer the mansion) was added.

 

The garden is one of the only few remaining early 20th century residential gardens still in its original form and open to the public. The garden is typical of the period of "Oriental Exotica" that followed the introduction of Japanese gardens at international expositions in the late 18th century, and was adopted by wealthy Victorians into the landscapes of their private estates. As a result, the Sonnenberg Japanese garden appears to have many features associated with late 18th - early 19th century perceptions about Japanese gardens. 

In fact, it appears overcrowded with features that seem "kitschy" and unrealistic. The scale appears to be off as well. Too many lanterns in a small space, several gates in close proximity, etc. Additionally, the garden was in serious need of restoration and renovation. Apparently, following the outbreak of World War II, much of the garden was vandalized. As a result, many of the items are damaged, some beyond repair. 

 

 

 

I was impressed with the bronze Buddha, it was a nice addition, but seemed oddly placed. Around 1915 it was brought in by train and then wagon to the site, creating a stir amongst the townspeople who watched.

 

 

For novice visitors this could create a false impression of a Japanese garden, but does reflect the historic background of this early form of Japanese garden in America. The one thing I learned, is that I now know to be more careful when adding elements to my own garden. Too much stuff makes it "kitschy." Zen-like simplicity is the way - less is always more.

Sansho-En: "Garden of Three Islands"

I had a chance to visit the Chicago Botanic Garden over the 4th of July holiday. I had originally planned to visit last year, but I was unexpectedly forced to put it off after a health scare while passing through Union Station. After a year I was able to return and visit, and without a doubt, visiting has contributed to my healing. The Botanic Garden is spectacular. One could easily spend the entire day there as did my wife and I. The Elizabeth Hubert Malott Japanese Garden is one of the best in the country. 

Website: https://www.chicagobotanic.org/gardens/japanese

the Japanese garden is made of up three islands (see map):

download a detailed description with map

It was a great day at the garden and at the end we were rewarded with a beautiful sunset over Horaijima (Island of Everlasting Happiness), an island inaccessible to mortals.

Flower Mist Dwelling Place

During the 2013 Annual Soroptimist Garden Tour (an organization focused on supporting women), I was able to visit the garden of Stan Hobbs in Glenville. I read about his garden in the local newspaper. Its a woodland stroll garden with many Japanese features. I was surprised to discover that someone else in my town shared an interest in Japanese gardens and had created one on his property.

Website: http://www.soroptimistofschenectady.org/events.htm

"Flower, Mist Dwelling Place"

The garden turned out to be even better than the newspaper had described. Stan has put a lot of work into his garden and its Japanese esthetic is truly authentic. Walking through the garden I was inspired to consider some new types of plantings and incorporate some elements of what Stan has done into some of my future plans.