Hidden Landscape Gems

Fabyan Japanese Garden

by Heather Prince A surprising tranquil oasis is tucked along the Fox River in Geneva. Managed by the Kane County Forest Preserve, the Fabyan Japanese Garden is part of the former Riverbank country estate of George and Nelle Fabyan and offers a small, approachable interpretation of Japanese garden style. Installed around 1910 and designed by renowned landscape designer Taro Otsuka, this historic one-acre garden is a hidden treasure.

Over the years the garden has been neglected and restored a few times. Today, it is maintained by a dedicated gardener at the Forest Preserve. It was designed as a combination garden, so you will find several traditional elements of Japanese garden style. Enter through the Torii Gate and you will be directed to the left to follow the Dewy Path. This curving crushed stone path leads you under redbud trees and twists and turns to slowly reveal glimpses of the garden and the hosta collections. You will come to the machiai or waiting bench chamber, which marks the beginning of the Tea Garden. A sculptural mature weeping spruce sits across from this shelter, inviting you to take a few moments of contemplation before continuing your journey. The lantern on the path was donated by the Geneva Garden Club and is placed according to historic photos.

Follow the boulder strewn path to the bridge to symbolically enter the Inner Garden. Take in the view from the small artificial hill and admire the stately yews pruned to flow along the ground amid the 1925 S. Batavia Ave, Geneva, IL https://www.ppfv.org/fabyan-japanese-garden

trickle of a waterfall. Across the slab bridge over a small stream is the Tea House. The porch was designed for viewing the moon. Garden beds are filled with ferns, hosta, and shady groundcovers to provide a serene backdrop for the trees. As you continue on the path under the branches of a stately American linden, you come to the open lawn designated for small weddings. The curved moon bridge anchors the peninsula to the opposite side of the pond. The original lantern provides a serene focal point as waves of iris line the banks.

As you follow the path, notice a second weeping spruce, also original to the garden is sited among white and Jack pines. A set of steps leads down to the pond so you can check for turtles and fish. Opposite the steps is a replica of Mt. Fuji nestled in ivy and capped in white cement intended to resemble snow.

Originally, the garden would have been much more open. With time, trees have been added or allowed to grow, creating a cool, shady respite on a hot sunny day. The garden borrows views of the Fox River and surrounding oak savannah. This can be a good example of ways to incorporate Japanese elements in a client’s garden or get inspiration for your own. You can find out more about the Fabyans, their passion for Japanese culture, and their eccentric history at the Frank Lloyd Wright-remodeled Villa up the hill from the gardens. Private guided tours of the garden are available for a fee and may include the Villa if desired.