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My garden is full of blooming Saxifraga Stolonifera. Quite the mouthful, isn't it! Actually, it's one of over 300 species of saxifrage (genus Saxifraga), also known as rockfoil. I have several other saxifrage plants but this one is the most prolific. It's the only saxifrage species that is widely grown as a window or basket plant. It's also called strawberry begonia, strawberry geranium, or mother-of-thousands. (Note that it is not actually a begonia or a geranium!) I love this plant! It requires little care, the bugs leave it alone, and every year the multiple stalks of tiny, white, 5-petaled flowers turn my garden into a fairyland!
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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