The world of succulents has been a relatively new discovery for me. First, I bought a few and then promptly killed a few. (I'm the queen of over-watering.) However, I've slowly figured out how to keep them happy and healthy and am currently enjoying several blooming outside on my patio.
Cacti, however, are another matter. I have several, but they aren't very happy. (I still have much to learn!) This one, however, was a recent purchase. It had one small bloom when I bought it and, to my delight, it has proceeded to bloom and bloom and bloom! What's the secret? I have no idea! I'm hoping its enthusiasm will rub off on all the neighbouring cacti! (They are all located in the same area.)
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I think this is the year when my garden and I are finally in sync. I've been working on it for over 10 years, and the challenges have been many. First of all, we are renting, and the soil is non-existent. As a result, almost all of my plants are in containers. Since I have over 150 of them, watering is a challenge, as is keeping their roots from cooking in their pots in the extreme heat of summer. And then, of course, I was working full tilt for many years with little time to spare. Thankfully, that has changed and being able to spend time in the garden every day has made a big difference. I've been tending my plants more carefully this year, and the effort has paid off. My garden exploded with an abundance of healthy growth and fragrant blooms. (To my astonishment, even my roses are thriving!) Ah, I am so grateful for this hobby. Although my younger self would have rolled her eyes at the very idea of gardening, it has made a huge difference to my mental health and has saved me many times over. These photos were taken in my garden over the past few days. This April, for the first time in 3 years, the Osaka Mint Bureau held its cherry blossom viewing event. The Osaka Mint Bureau is the head office of Japan Mint and has various responsibilities related to coins. However, it's famous for it's 300 cherry trees, and every April opens its gates for 1 week to the public. There are over 100 cherry varieties, some quite rare, and they never fail to disappoint! This year visitors had to make reservations to enter, and we were able to get a spot on the very first day. Despite iffy weather, the cherry blossoms were in perfect condition, and the crowds were far, far less than in the past. It was a delight to be there after a 3 year break.
Osaka Mint Information: www.japan-guide.com/e/e4008.html Video of visiting Osaka Mint: www.youtube.com/watch?v=95YzxcguKdI Information about cherry blossom varieties: khaawsflowerpicture.com/english-main/cherry-english-page/ As a result of all the heat and rain of the past few weeks, my garden has exploded! Once the rain stops, I'll need to rearrange all the pots so they have a bit more breathing room. It’s one thing to be close together in winter when most of the plants don’t have any leaves. But now? It's a bit too squishy!! Remember, though, that I have about 150 pots. I'm going to be busy!
This is from my garden yesterday. Lately, I haven't had many chances to take photos though. Life's been just too busy! If you drive to Awaji Shima from Kansai, you must cross the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge (such a beautiful bridge!) and soon, you will come to the Awaji Highway Oasis, a rest stop for travellers. However, we rarely stop since, despite the spectacular views, there are usually too many people. This time, however, we decided to stop since it was spring, and there's a beautiful garden behind the rest stop that is easily accessible on your return to Kobe. It did not disappoint! We wished we had more time to explore, though. Maybe next time. Akashi Kaikyo Bridge: www.japan-guide.com/e/e3559.html Awaji Highway Oasis: thegate12.com/spot/1327 |
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I'm a photographer based in Osaka, Japan. I love to take photographs. I like to share.
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