Anderson Gardens in Rockford is well known as the best example of a Japanese garden outside of Japan. Did you know its architect, Hoichi Kurisu, also created another Japanese style garden in Rockford? He designed a serenity garden located on 60 acres surrounding the Rosecrance Griffin Williamson adolescent treatment center. Two cascading waterfalls, a pond and bridge similar to the ones at Anderson form the core of the garden. More than a mile of walking paths wind through two-million-year-old boulders from Wisconsin which form the garden’s backbone. The one-acre pond is 13 feet deep in the center and is stocked with koi, bluegill and bass. No fishing allowed!  Soaring conifers and maples lean towards the visitor and accent extensive woodlands beyond the garden. Wildlife is invited into the garden with bird feeders from the 18 acres of woods. There are plenty of places to sit and take in the constantly changing views.
  

Rosecrance's entry garden is a micro capsule of what a visitor will see into the
serenity garden.  Japanese style gardens often incorporate tiny preview
into their entry.

The 1-acre pond is the centerpiece of the 13-acre garden.
A brass bell from a Buddhist temple in Thailand hangs
in the bell tower.

The best part is that the garden is free and open to the public from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Though admittance is free, you must sign in at the main desk. Rosecrance is at 1601 University Drive. Call (815) 391-1000 for more information or go to their website at: www.rosecrance.org

— Doreen G. Howard