No need to download an app – just go to the website http://japanhouse.art.illinois.edu/en/ on your cell phone and click the MOBILE GUIDE link on the bottom right.  Then hit VIEW GUIDE and you are on your way to a self-guided tour narrated by Japan House’s beloved gardener, 88 year old Jim Bier! 

A garden tour any time you want...right in the peace and beauty of the Japan House Lorene and James Bier Gardens. 

You will also find a lengthy interview with Jim (video coming soon) in which he answers questions ranging from brutal Illinois winters to his favorite parts of the garden.  Then just tap VIEW VEGETATION INFO and you’ll have detailed maps for the dry and tea gardens with specific plant info including Latin names and the species origin. 

Thanks to the intrepid Japan House Interns for making this happen.  Kudos go to interns Anna Piazza, (Chancellor’s Scholar) Alexis Pokorney, Stephen Salerno, Hana Yaginuma and our Program Coordinator Debbie Kim.  Most of all, of course, humble thanks go to Jim Bier! 

Japan House is located at 2000 South Lincoln Avenue in Urbana, Illinois. 

Thanks to the Japan House listserv for this information item.

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