Take a winter tour at Fabyan Japanese Garden in Geneva
Bundle up warmly and bring your camera.
Although you won’t see much in bloom within Fabyan Japanese Garden this winter, the structure of the trees creates unique photo and viewing opportunities for anyone looking to see a different side of a gardening culture.
Join Preservation Partners of the Fox Valley for its seventh annual Winter Walk through the Fabyan Japanese Garden at 1 p.m. Jan. 11 and 21, Feb. 8 and 18 at Fabyan West Forest Preserve in Geneva.
“This is an unusual experience because of the unique leafless structures that the plants hold,” said Lynn Dransoff, site director.
The Winter Walk includes the history of the Fabyan Japanese Garden along with facts about Japanese gardens in all seasons.
The weather will determine whether the walk will take place. As a snow-covered ground is necessary, participants are asked to call and confirm the tour’s status.
“The beauty comes from the snow because it really highlights the structure,” said Dransoff. “Stops along the way make it a really great photo opportunity.”
Tours are designed to accommodate 10-15 participants and last about 40 minutes. Stops for photos will be made along the way.
“The one-acre garden makes the walk about a quarter-mile walk,” said Dransoff. “It doesn’t make it too long.”
All tours will include a scene of a miniature replica of Mount Fuji. The replica, created this fall, is about six feet tall. Mount Fuji stands as the tallest mountain in Japan at approximately 12,389 feet.
“Because Mount Fuji always has snow on it, we have a cement cap also,” said Dransoff. “The mountain makes photographs unique.”
Although the walk is geared toward adults, Dransoff said that children are welcome.
“The garden in the winter looks a lot different from the summer,” said Dransoff. “Plants are selected because of structure, not ability to be in bloom.”
Dransoff will be one of the three group leaders for most of the events and has volunteered at the garden for many years. The garden dates from 1910 and is described as a tranquil oasis where history melds with nature and design. It is part of the historic estate which served as home to Col. George and Nelle Fabyan from 1905 to 1939.
At the end of the walk, visitors can get a glimpse of the past from photos of Preservation Partners’ historic collection and enjoy a hot beverage.
For details, visit www.ppfv.org or call (630) 377-6424. The garden is located within the Fabyan West Forest Preserve, 1925 South Batavia Ave., Geneva. A $2 donation is requested per person.
If you go
What: Preservation Partners Winter Walk through Fabyan Japanese Garden
When: 1 p.m. Jan. 11 and 21, Feb 8 and 18
Where: Fabyan West Forest Preserve, 1925 South Batavia Ave., Geneva
Admission: $2 donation
Details: Visit <a href="http://www.ppfv.org">ppfv.org</a> or call (630) 337 6424