The parade of colors makes fall a special time to visit the Japanese Garden. But the garden is beautiful beyond the changing seasons. With four visits in four weeks, I had ample opportunity to look away from the brilliant yellows and fiery reds and enjoy some of the more serene parts of the garden. Here are some of the highlights.
(Click any image for a lightbox style slideshow of all the photos in this gallery.)
Garden membership allows access before the general public, while staff are still at work tending the grounds. They mostly use traditional tools to minimize the impact. 
This photo of the tools used at the garden is from an article written by a trainee from the Chicago Botanic Garden. 
The Bonsai garden will soon be tucked away for the winter. 
I am amazed every time I see this Juniper and think of the generations of care that brought it to this moment. 
Sculptures by Jun Kaneko are currently placed throughout the garden. 
The Sand and Stone Garden. 
Discoveries 