Illinois garden among most beautiful in US. HGTV calls it ‘meditation in motion’
.jpg "Anderson Japanese Gardens in Rockford was recently named the most beautiful garden in Illinois by home improvement network HGTV.")
The “most beautiful” garden in Illinois can be found in Rockford, according popular home improvement network HGTV, while Missouri’s top garden is in St. Louis.
In an Aug. 25 report, HGTV named Anderson Japanese Gardens the top spot in Illinois in its ranking of “The Most Beautiful Garden You Can Visit in Every State.” The Missouri Botanical Garden took first place for the Show Me State.
Anderson Japanese Gardens is a nonprofit organization known for its koi ponds, serene landscapes and special events, such as educational lecture series, Halloween celebrations and wellness-focused events.
“Master craftsmen from Japan created this 12-acre meditation in motion, where every stone, stream, and maple has been placed with intention. The koi-filled ponds reflect the changing seasons, creating twice the beauty at every turn,” HGTV’s analysis says of Anderson Japanese Gardens.
The Missouri Botanical Garden also features a Japanese garden, along with a Chinese garden, English woodland garden, Bavarian garden, climatron, arid house, Tower Grove House and more.
“America’s oldest continuously operating botanical garden spans 79 acres of historical and horticultural significance. The 14-acre Japanese garden ranks among North America’s finest, while the futuristic Climatron geodesic dome houses a rainforest that thrives despite Midwest winters,” HGTV’s description of the Missouri Botanical Garden reads.
Here’s what else to know about HGTV’s most beautiful gardens in Illinois and Missouri.
Visiting Anderson Japanese Gardens
Anderson Japanese Gardens’ operating schedule varies seasonally, but from Oct. 20 to Nov. 1, the garden is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Hours are shorter later in the month, however. Nov. 2 through Nov. 9, the gardens are open from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily.
“This recognition by HGTV deeply honors our team, volunteers, supporters, and all who believe in the power of nature, art, and design to uplift,” David Anderson, founding family member of the Anderson Japanese Gardens, wrote in an emailed statement to the News-Democrat. “For years, we’ve sought not merely to create a beautiful garden, but to offer a place of peace, reflection, and connection for the community. HGTV’s acknowledgment reinforces that we are achieving that mission.”
Tickets may only be purchased in person at the garden’s admissions counter, and weekday admission costs $13 for an adult, $12 for seniors age 62 and older and $11 for students and members of the military, with free admission for children ages 5 and younger.
Weekend and holiday admission rates run $15 per adult, $14 for seniors and $13 for students and people in the military.
The third Thursday of each month is designated as “Donation Day,” and visitors are encouraged to make donations in lieu of the usual admission fees.
Visitors are welcome to explore the garden independently, but guided tours are also available. Public tours are held at from 10:30 a.m. and 1:15 p.m. Monday through Friday and last up to two hours. Private tours can be booked for an additional fee.
If you’re not participating in a tour, staff recommends planning to spend at least an hour to an hour and a half exploring to fully experience the site. Outside food and drinks are not permitted, except for bottled water.
Pets are not allowed at the garden, though service animals are permitted.
Visiting Missouri Botanical Garden
The Missouri Botanical Garden is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with last entry at 4:30 p.m., through Nov 9. The garden’s winter hours run Nov. 10 to Jan. 4., and will be from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with last entry at 3:30 p.m.
Early entry at 7 a.m. is available Wednesdays and Saturdays for garden members, as well as residents of St. Louis City and St. Louis County. General admission costs $16 for those age 13 and older, while members of the military can visit for $8, and children ages 12 and younger enter free.
Discounts are available for St. Louis residents, with a $6 ticket for adults and $4 for seniors ages 65 and older. Proof of residency is required.
The Missouri Botanical Garden hosts many popular events throughout the year, including the Garden Glow, Orchid Nights, Chinese Culture Days, the Japanese Festival and more.
Guided walking tours are available for no additional charge, and take place from 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. daily April through October, switching to an 11 a.m. daily schedule November through March. Tram tours are available for an additional fee, which is $6 for adults and children.
For frequent visitors, the Missouri Botanical Garden also offers memberships, with options available for individuals and families that offer admission to the garden, as well as to special events, depending on the membership level.
Similarly to the Anderson Japanese Gardens, the Missouri Botanical Garden does not allow pets but allows service animals, as required by law.
The garden offers low sensory areas, as well as a calming room, available on a first-come, first-served basis to nursing parents and those who need to take a break in a quiet place.
The News-Democrat has contacted staff with the Missouri Botanical Garden for comment on the HGTV mention.
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