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gardens & facilities

The gardens

Through the tireless efforts of Mr. James Bier, the tea garden was magnificently completed in the spring of 2002. As time passes, the development of the gardens are evident and almost magical. What was once simply a grassy hill is now filled with carefully selected and placed stepping stones, beautifully crafted fences and waiting benches, budding plants, shrubs and trees. The Dry Garden, which was completed in the spring of 2003, overlooks the Arboretum pond and fields.

Japan House is surrounded by two gardens: a tea garden donated by Mr. and Mrs. James A. Bier of Champaign Illinois; and a dry garden - also known as as rock or Zen Garden - a gift from anonymous donors.

Download a PowerPoint presentation (65MB) of the facilities and gardens at Japan House.