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I'm a bit of a fool for toad lilies. I had never heard of them before coming to Japan but I've been addicted for many years now. I have many varieties in my garden (15?) and I'm always on the lookout for more. Since toad lilies are indigenous to Japan, they thrive despite the extreme summer heat (as long as they aren't in direct sunlight) and the cold winters. Nor are they bothered by the rainy season or the dry summers and pests and diseases largely leave them alone. But best of all, most of my varieties bloom profusely, and I can enjoy their array of colours and shapes for at least a month. Overall, they are a plant-them-and-forget-them type of addition to my garden, returning year after year to fill my garden with colour. Yes, that's my kind of plant! The photos below are what I consider "futsu" (ordinary/common) toad lilies. These are the kind I was first introduced to and bought for my garden. (It's not easy to find toad lilies for sale. I buy mine at farmers' markets or roadside markets out in the country.) This variety grows throughout my garden, thriving whether they’re in the ground or in pots.  Toad lilies growing along side the fence, Osaka, Japan  Toad lilies growing in a pot in my garden, Osaka, Japan
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A few years ago, I discovered the works of a Canadian painter named Janet Anderson. I was captivated by her bright, bold images of flowers and nature, so I purchased a few of her prints as a gift for myself. During our correspondence, I mentioned my love for flowers and shared some links so she could view some of my photographs. To my surprise, she requested to paint some of them, and that was the quickest "yes" I've given in quite some time! The first photo Janet chose to paint features a yellow ranunculus from my garden. Below, you can see the original photo and below that is Janet's painting. In fact, she painted the photograph twice, and you can view the other version on her Instagram page, where she also shares her progress. I'm so impressed by Janet's work and am honored to have my photo used as a source. Thanks so much, Janet! Please visit her at the links below! Enjoy! Janet's website: www.janetspaintedlife.com/ Janet's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/janetspaintedlife/ Ranunculus + Process: https://www.instagram.com/p/C39NZ9-r0Ko/?img_index=1 (She thanks "Nonbirira" for the use of the photo. That's me. It's "nonbiri", which means "take it easy" in Japanese, plus my initals.)  A photograph of a ranunculus in my garden  Yellow Delight by Janet Anderson (oil on canvas) One of the highlights of 2024 was being published in the April issue of the Kyoto Journal, titled "Flora & Kyoto." It took every ounce of courage I had to submit my proposal, and to my great surprise, it was accepted. (I waited until the very last minute and almost backed out.) Though the spread covers only two pages, transforming my proposal into the final piece was quite challenging. It required multiple drafts and countless hours spent ensuring the accuracy of the information about the plants, as many have very little written about them in English. Despite feeling outside my comfort zone from start to finish, the overall experience was very positive. The support I received was clear, concise, and incredibly helpful, and I felt encouraged and supported throughout the entire process. I’m so proud of the end result and so thankful that I took the chance! Kyoto Journal 104: Flora & Kyoto    As you may know all too well, life does not always go as planned. It has been over a year since my last post, and that was certainly NOT the plan! What happened? Well, life happened, as it does. Mix together some major life changes, some family health challenges, and a whole lot of overwhelm, and there you have it! LIFE – in all its glory! But I'm happy to be back and I have lots to share. Thanks for being here.  The extreme heat of the summer has taken its toll on my garden. Thankfully, there are a few blooms in my garden including this clematis. |
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I'm a photographer based in Osaka, Japan. I like to share.
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