When we planned our last trip to Rockford, Illinois, we were pleased to find some amazing gardens available to visitors. While very different from each other, they were all fabulous in their own right. Join us for a quick photo trip to four of Rockford’s best.

La Paloma Gardens

3622 Brookview Road

Rockford, Illinois 61107

815.399.0324

http://www.lapalomagardens.com/

Opens Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, 10-4, May through October

La-Paloma-22

Your chance to visit the garden you’d like to have in your own backyard. This is actually a garden set in a residential area and is open for tours by the public.

La Paloma Gardens

Sweeping walkways connect the various sections of the gardens and lead one over scenic bridges to yet more beauty on the other side.

La Paloma Gardens

See how your vegetable garden should grow in this wonderfully structured garden and greenhouse area.

La Paloma Gardens

Catch a glimpse of the swan usually seen hanging around Swan Lake, but don’t touch.  He’s got an attitude.

La Paloma Gardens

Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden

2715 S Main Street

Rockford, Illinois

815.965.8146

http://www.klehm.org/

Open daily 9 – 4

Klehm Arboretum

Referred to as “Rockford’s Living Museum,” this is a diverse collection of trees, shrubs, perennials and grasses. Gentle walkways connect them all and there’s a tram for those who would prefer not to walk.

Klehm Arboretum

A tall lookout tower is great for climbing and getting the birds-eye view of the gardens – and for finding lost kids in the hedge maze.

Klehm Arboretum

A refreshing fountain garden surrounds the kids-favorite (and adults too) fountain area.

Klehm Arboretum

You can take a self-guided tour with a handy trail guide, but I’d recommend a docent led tour. If you want to know about plants, they’ve got all the inside facts on seasonal bloomings and natural history.

Klehm Arboretum

Klehm is also available for rent for special events and would make a perfect background for a wedding.

 

Anderson Japanese Gardens

318 Spring Creek Road
Rockford, IL 61107

815.229.9390

http://andersongardens.org

Open May through November – call for dates and times

Anderson Japanese Gardens

Anderson Japanese Gardens has been called the most beautiful Japanese garden in the United States for a good reason – it is.

 

More so than any other garden we visited, this is a place to come if you want to spend some “down” time; for unwinding, for reflection, or for “Just Me” time.

anderson Japanese Gardens

Tours can be arranged for groups of eight or more, but there are so many wonderful vistas that you might rather wander at your own pace.

Anderson Japanese Gardens

There is a well-stocked, gift shop with all sorts of items suitable for souvenirs, for your home or for gift giving.

Anderson Japanese Gardens

Weddings and corporate events are held here all the time, along with a list of special events. Check their website’s event page for: Tai Chi classes, meditation sessions, Japanese tutoring, mini camps, Etagami classes (card making), scavenger hunts and Bujinkan classes (martial arts.)

Anderson Japanese Gardens

Nicholas Conversatory & Gardens

1354 N 2nd Street

Rockford, Illinois 61107

815.937.8858

http://www.rockfordparkdistrict.org/ncg

Open year round

Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens

The Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens are located along the Rock River and is the 3rd largest conservatory in Illinois.

Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens

Inside, enjoy an 11,000-square-foot tropical plant pavilion with water features.

Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens

Be sure to go upstairs and see the “green roof’ brimming with succulents.

Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens

Outside, the reinvigorated Eclipse Lagoon is a great place to sit and relax. Or, wander the walkways, enjoy the waterfalls and the sculptures.

Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens

Special classes and special events are held all year long. Get the latest information on their Facebook page.

Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens

That’s not enough?

If you are still looking for more, there were three other notable gardens in Rockford that we didn’t make it to.  You might want to try these:

Midway Village Museum Heritage Gardens

Womanspace

Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum and Gardens