Fabyan Villa Japanese Garden

The Fabyan Villa Japanese garden is part of the larger Fabyan Villa estate, the one time home of George and Nelle Fabyan (1908 to 1939). The Villa itself was remodeled in 1907 by Frank Lloyd Wright and as a result the villa is a major attraction.

Website: https://www.ppfv.org/fabyan-japanese-garden

The Japanese garden was added in 1910. It was designed by Taro Otsuka, starting as a one-acre garden, it was expanded over time. During that time, the garden was maintained by Susumu Kobayashi, a Japanese immigrant gardener. Although a popular attraction during the 1920s and 1930s, the garden was neglected after the Fabyans had passed. The garden was renovated in 1974, and today is maintained by the Forest Preserve District of Kane County. (Source: Wikipedia).

When I first arrived, the garden was closed. Check the garden website for specific day and times since it is not open on a regular basis. Not being able to enter, I was forced to walk the perimeter to get photos. However, I noticed a work crew nearby working on the property outside the Japanese garden. After speaking with a crew member, he introduced me to the head gardener. After explaining how far I had come to see the garden, she was kind enough to open the garden for me and allow me access - always better to ask then jump a fence.

The garden was very nice. It was a typical early 20th century Japanese garden. Wealthy people at that time often built such private gardens on their property. The later renovations remained true to the original elements - a bit "orientalist."

One of the most unusual elements I have ever seen, the miniature Mt. Fuji harped back to the "orientalist" of early 20th century gardens. Nevertheless, from a distance, it sparked some interest - not very authentic from a Japanese perspective, but definitely unique.

Rotary Botanical Garden

While visiting gardens in Illinois, I found myself near the Rotary Botanic Gardens in Wisconsin. The garden was originally built in 1989 on the edge of an old sand and gravel quarry. There were many elements of a traditional Japanese garden present. However, I found some of those elements to be lacking in authenticity, especially some of the structures. Some aspects of the garden were well done, but others simply reflected a modern day take on "orientalism" and as a result, seemed less Japanese and more "misinformed Asian."

Website: http://www.rotarybotanicalgardens.org/gardens/japanese-garden/

The gate and entryway were nice and there were some nice lanterns throughout. The water feature seemed a bit unatural.

Some of the other gates in the garden seemed like an odd mix of Japanese and Chinese elements - very inauthentic for a Japanese garden.

I liked this moss feature near the back gate - not easy to create and maintain a large moss garden.

I thought that the dry-rock portion of the garden was one of the best features. There were multiple vantage points and elevations from which to view the area, all providing a different experience. Additionally, the use of local stone enhanced the overall look of the dry-bed as a unique feature.

The machiai was a nice attempt to add such a structure to the garden, However, it added to the sense that the garden was trying to cram too many such elements into a garden of this size - seemed cluttered. The plantings around the machiai was also in need of some care and maintenance.

The bridge was nice as well, but again, its size seemed too large an element in such a small place. It also seemed more Chinese than Japanese.

The lantern below appeared to be an attempt to replicate the well-known wooden pagoda style lantern at the Portland Japanese Garden, however, it was poorly executed (looked like something I might have attempted with my limited woodworking skills). As a result, it contributed the the lack of authenticity. It was also in a very odd place, as if an after thought.

Rotary Botanical Garden Lantern

Portland Japanese Garden Lantern

The zig-zag bridge was a mess. Poorly constructed and made from treated lumber. Seemed cheap. The idea was a good one and has potential, but the bridge needed to be constructed of higher quality material.

This small pavilion on the far side of the pond was another example of getting it wrong. It was, once again, a weird mix of Chinese and Japanese elements that were inauthentic in their attempt to create an "oriental" experience.

Overall, I actually enjoyed the garden, especially the dry garden area. If they could eliminate the odd structures and move towards more Japanese features (less "orientalism"), they could ensure that visitors get to experience a more authentic Japanese garden.

Anderson Japanese Gardens

There is no-doubt that the Anderson Japanese Gardens is one of the best Japanese gardens in North America. I made the trip to Rockford, Illinois to see if it was truly #1 as once ranked by Sukiya Living Magazine (JOJG). 

The garden was first constructed in 1978 by John Anderson, a businessman who had been inspired by a visit to the Japanese Portland Garden. With the help of Japanese garden designer Hoichi Kurisu, the Andersons transformed their backyard into a magnificent Japanese style garden.

The garden has expanded considerably since 1978. My photos below show the original portion of the garden. The more recent additions to the garden, seemingly added to cater to the "wedding party" customers looking for photo shoot backdrops, I have left out.

Website: https://andersongardens.org/

If you look closely, you will see that these large stones and plantings resemble a turtle.

Overall, the garden was magnificent. The gardeners who manage the site should be commended for the efforts. I spent the better part of the day there strolling around and it was well worth the time and effort to visit. However, I can not say definitively that its my #1 choice. There are some elements that are excellent, and the authenticity without question. However, there are other gardens that I have visited that have equally good features. Nevertheless, I really enjoyed the experience. One of the top 5 that I've seen in North America so far.