Our hectic lifestyles never end, but we can all hit PAUSE for a moment. This beautiful outdoor setting will inspire the mind and energize the soul. The Gardens are open Monday through Friday 9am to 6pm, Saturday and Sunday 9am to 5pm, through October 31, 2020. Parking is free.
THIS TICKET MAY BE USED ON ANY DATE THROUGH OCTOBER 31, 2020.
Ticket is for regular garden admission only and may not be used for special events or program registration. Tickets may be used for Tuesday Evening in the Garden and Japanese Summer Festival.
Coupon expires October 31, 2020.
To learn more about planning your visit, go to www.andersongardens.org, or call 815-229-9390.
The Koi Who Became a Dragon is a children's book based on the ancient legend of a brave koi who just wouldn't give up. Inspired by Anderson Japanese Gardens this book makes the beautiful lessons of the Garden compelling to readers of all ages. Join Gerald-san, the friendly koi, as he negotiates a world of herons, waterfalls and unexpected six-legged friends- all captured in gorgeous original watercolor. The artist and illustrator spent a whole summer in residence at Anderson Japanese Gardens to compose this book. You won't be disappointed!
Price reflects tax, shipping and handling. The book will be shipped within five (5) business days of the order.
Welcome to Teien No Taiko, the taiko drum group from Anderson Japanese Gardens. We are very happy to have you join us.
We’ll see you on an upcoming Wednesday afternoon at 4:00 PM. Come into the visitor center and go down to the ground floor using either the elevator or the stairs next to the elevator. The class for newer players will last about an hour.
Wear comfortable clothes and shoes that will allow you to move around easily. Bring your own water bottle and snacks if you want them.
We’ll look forward to seeing you at a practice session soon.
Linda Bergstrom, Sensei
Fee: $48 for member; $58 for non-member per class Includes flower materials. Cancellation is required 4 days prior to class. Any cancellations after that time will not be refundable.
What is Ikebana: Ikebana, also known as the flower way (kado), developed alongside the tea ceremony (chado) with the introduction of Buddhism to Japan. The Ikenobo school of ikebana began more than 550 years ago, and is still flourishing today. Through the flower way – carefully observing how plants grow and arranging ikebana – we make discoveries about nature, others, and ourselves.
Instructor: You have an opportunity to study this ancient and modern art form with Reiko Takahashi, an Ikenobo-certified ikabana instructor. She has studied ikebana since 2001 under Professor Emeritus Kimiko Gunji at the College of Art and Design, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. She teaches monthly workshop in Chicago and has demonstrated and exhibited her ikebana at various venues and events. For more information about Reiko, visit www.floralashirai.com
General Supplies to bring to class:
- Ikebana Scissors (Hasami), or Garden
- A vase (participants will be informed in a follow-up email)
- Kenzan (pin frog) if you have one, or this can be provided to use during the class
- A towel to wipe wet tools and tables
- A plastic bag to collect garbage around your table and help clean the space at the end.
- A bucket or bag to take home your arrangement and unused flowers
Some tools will be available for sale at the workshop.
Fee: $58 for member; $68 for non-member per class Includes flower materials. Cancellation is required 4 days prior to class. Any cancellations after that time will not be refundable.
Included in the price will be Floral Materials, a vase, & an anchoring mechanism for your arrangement.
What is Ikebana: Ikebana, also known as the flower way (kado), developed alongside the tea ceremony (chado) with the introduction of Buddhism to Japan. The Ikenobo school of ikebana began more than 550 years ago, and is still flourishing today. Through the flower way – carefully observing how plants grow and arranging ikebana – we make discoveries about nature, others, and ourselves.
Instructor: You have an opportunity to study this ancient and modern art form with Reiko Takahashi, an Ikenobo-certified ikabana instructor. She has studied ikebana since 2001 under Professor Emeritus Kimiko Gunji at the College of Art and Design, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. She teaches monthly workshop in Chicago and has demonstrated and exhibited her ikebana at various venues and events. For more information about Reiko, visit www.floralashirai.com
General Supplies to bring to class:
- Ikebana Scissors (Hasami), or Garden Scissors
- A towel to wipe wet tools and tables
- A plastic bag to collect garbage around your table and help clean the space at the end.
- A bucket or bag to take home your arrangement and unused flowers
Some tools will be available for sale at the workshop.
Saturday, November 1, 2025
Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: Anderson Japanese Gardens – Pavilion
Guests are required to meet at the visitor center by 5:45 PM. From there, they will be escorted out to the pavilion. This event takes place outdoors; please dress accordingly.
$40.00 for Garden members | $45.00 for non-members
The Tsukimi (Moon-Viewing)
Join us for an evening of Ikebana and moon viewing. The AJG Ikebana group will display an exhibition of Ikebana.
Reiko Takahashi, an Ikenobo Ikebana instructor, will create “Tatehana”, the oldest style of the Ikenobo Ikebana School, as an offering to the Moon. Following this, Kimiko Gunji, Professor Emeritus at the University of Illinois, will perform the Kencha tea ceremony, serving a bowl of tea to the moon.
Tea and special sweets will be served to all participants.
You can enjoy a Shakuhachi performance by Omar Francis while viewing the moon.
Explore two of Rockford's hidden architectural gems. This docent-led tour focuses on the architectural components of Anderson Japanese Gardens' 16th century Sukiya-style guest house and Rockford's Laurent House, the only home designed by Frank Lloyd Wright specifically for a client with physical disability.
Reservations must be made at least one week in advance.
Tours are held Wednesday and Friday afternoons, beginning at 12:00pm; plan to spend about 1-1.5 hours at each location. Participants will make their own arrangements to travel between the Gardens and the Laurent House (approximately 2 miles away). Group sizes are limited to 8 guests.
The tour begins at the Anderson Japanese Gardens Visitors Center - 318 Spring Creek Road. Rockford, IL.
7:00 PM Lecture | Members – Free | Non-Members $5 | Pre-Registration Required | Limited Spaces Available