Memories of the San Antonio Japanese Tea Garden

In recent weeks, several Texan friends have mentioned, on their blogs and social media, that the Texas Mountain Laurels (Dermatophyllum secundiflorum; syn. Sophora secundiflora) were blooming. This reminded me of our time in the state last year. It also reminded me that I hadn't shared highlights from our visit to the San Antonio Japanese Tea Garden, which was a truly unique place!



Several Texas Mountain Laurels were blooming outside the entrance, and we spent some quality time before and after our visit viewing, smelling, and enjoying them. The scent has been described as grape bubblegum, which I recall as being about right.



The pollinators enjoyed them, too. I believe this is a horse-fly carpenter bee.



The tea garden, which is more than 100 years old, exceeded my expectations and was totally different than I expected. It's described as "magical" on the San Antonio Parks web site, and that seems about right. My photos and words don't do it justice: It's one of those places you have to visit to get the full effect. There's so much beautiful rock and stone work everywhere you look, and the layout is so unique.

Built in the pit of a former limestone quarry and cement factory, it was shaped into a pavilion, walkways, arch bridges, pond surrounds, an island, and more.



When we were there, beautiful annuals, along with resident perennials, were on display. These colorful Snapdragons (Antirrhinum majus) brightened the late February landscape.



Various grasses, Prickly Pear cacti (Opuntia alta), and other native perennials framed the scene around the property.



The rock work, mixed with beautiful plants and blooms was truly special.



Along with the giant, 60-foot waterfall, which made a dramatic statement.



If/when you visit San Antonio, don't miss this special place. I'm sure it's beautiful and incredible any time of year.

To learn more about the history of the Japanese Tea Garden, and plans for its future, visit the San Antonio Parks Foundation and the San Antonio Parks & Recreation descriptions.

Midwest Meet-Up at Rotary Botanical Gardens

One of Rose's favorite Zinnias: 'Zowie! Yellow Flame',
which I'd like to add to my potager garden next year.

In mid-September, I had the pleasure of meeting Rose from Prairie Rose's Garden and her friend, Beckie, at Rotary Botanical Gardens in Janesville, Wis.

Beckie (l) and Rose (r), gearing up for our garden tour.

It seemed like old times (for me, at least) even though we'd never met in person before. Some friends are like that--you feel like you've known them forever and that you can pick up where you left off when you meet again.

Anyway, it was a cool day and slightly overcast, but we didn't let that deter us from enjoying the gardens. The Rotary Botanical Gardens are celebrating their 25th anniversary this year, and you can read about their fascinating history by clicking on this link. I haven't been to these gardens much, which is embarrasing because Janesville is only about 36 miles from my home.

Beckie suggested stepping up to the terrace overlook to photograph
this long shot of the European-style gardens, which was a great idea. Thanks, Beckie!

The 20-acre, nonprofit botanic garden has numerous themed gardens, and the first one you see as you exit the visitor center is the English Cottage Garden. As you look across from above, you also can see the Italian Garden, the French Rose Garden, and beyond.



The obelisks, arbors, and other hardscapes are great frames for the whimsical mixes of annuals, perennials, and ornamental shrubs.



One of the seasonal displays incorporates the use of doors and windows with a fabulous mix of tall plants.



The Japanese Garden--one of the first Rotary gardens built after the founding--has been recognized as one of the top 25 Japanese gardens in North America, by the Roth Journal of Japanese Gardening.



I remarked to Rose and Beckie that I felt calmer when I stepped into this section of the botanical garden, which of course is intentional. The use of foliage, form, and hardscapes is artfully done.



Hakone grass (Hakonechloa macra) flowing out of the crevices of a rock wall. Wow! This is fabulous. It's a big wall and the effect is dramatic.



Looking across the pond at the Japanese Arched Bridge.







Scattered throughout the property are these convenient benches with great quotes aboout gardening.



Other seating areas invite visitors to sit, relax, and contemplate the beauty.



Another highlight is the Thomas Jefferson Collection. One of my favorite gardening friends (you know who you are) is a big fan of Balsam (Impatiens balsamina), which surrounds the sign in a rainbow of colors.



The Thomas Jefferson collection includes a great sampling of vegetables, flowers, and herbs that our third president favored at Monticello, his Virginia home--including this heirloom Tomato.



Various vining plants, like this Sweet Pea (Lathyrus odoratus 'Painted Lady'), are trained on trellises made of wooden branches, for a lovely effect.



Thomas Jefferson's vegetables, including this Eggplant, are also favored by the bumblebees.



Also scattered throughout the gardens are beautiful mixed plantings of annuals and perennials, with stunning combinations of foliage and blooms of various colors, forms, and heights.





More benches for enjoying the displays.





It's encouraging to see Milkweeds of various species forming their seedheads for next year's plants, including Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa) and Swamp Milkweed (A. incarnata).

Other plants that caught my eye included:



Korean Feather Reed Grass (Calamagrostis brachytricha);



Variegated Obedient Plant (Physostegia virginiana 'Variegata');



And this sweet potted Celosia (C. plumosa 'Fresh Look Gold'), surrounded by various perennials and annuals.

Those are just a few of the highlights. We had a great time, and the Rotary Botanical Gardens were in prime early autumn condition. I'm hoping we can organize more Midwest gardener and blogger meet-ups in the months ahead. Thanks, Rose and Beckie!

A little zen on a summer's day

A few weeks back, Mom and I took a day trip to the Anderson Japanese Gardens in Rockford, Ill. It was a pleasant destination even on a warm summer day. The bright sun was a bit harsh for photos, but some of them turned out OK.

I can only imagine how stunning this place is in autumn, with Japanese Maples in full splendor. Or in springtime, when the Azaleas and Magnolias are blooming. I think I'll return next May.

Here are some of the highlights:

One of the first things that greets you at the entrance is a fountain with drinking water. Paper cups are available, which is a thoughtful touch.

Many of the well-manicured paths wind through shaded walkways.

Stunning Japanese Maples greet you at every turn. They're blended effectively with other trees, shrubs, and plants, along with calming yet whimsical decorations and hardscapes.

An obvious highlight is the "garden of reflection" pond.

The strolling garden around another pond features a cobble beach.

Comfortable seating areas throughout the facility invite relaxed reflection, as do ...

the waterfalls, ...

the gently trickling water features, and ...

the raked gravel garden.

Finely crafted structures, buildings, and gates also catch the eye.

Decorative garden accents mix the formal and the traditional with a bit of whimsy.

Even native Wild Ginger plants look comfortable growing in shady nooks between rocks and stone.

And the three angels, though unusual in a Japanese garden, seem to add a special blessing to visitors.

To learn more about the gardens' highlights and history, click here. The Anderson Japanese Gardens are well worth a day trip from southern Wisconsin or Chicago, and they're a great destination for tourists visiting the upper Midwest.