Welcome back to the 26 gardening seasons of Japan. We have cantered through some 6 seasons since we last met: Safflowers bloom (26–30 May), Wheat ripens and is harvested (31 May–5 June), Praying mantises hatch (6–10 June), Rotten grass becomes fireflies (11–15 June), Plums turn yellow (16–20 June), Self-heal (Woundwort) withers (21–26 June). We’re about to arrive at Irises bloom (27 June – 1 July). I don’t know about you, but my irises bloomed long ago, I have no plums, no wheat and (fingers crossed) no praying mantises. I haven’t even heard of Safflowers (fireworks on sticks basically). But still this meditation on being present keeps me enthralled. If I can practice noticing what’s happening in my own garden, I stand a chance with doing the same with those around me. A 5-day season is all the incentive I need to pay attention. What might I miss? Loads, as it turns out.
Right now, it’s a succession of bounty – fruit, veg and Sweet Peas all piling through the door. But with this comes loss. This is the time of year when you have to go round your apple trees and snap off every other budding fruit. It kills me but, I am assured, that the ones that stay will be bigger and tastier. On this note, whilst we had a bountiful apple harvest last year, this year it’s a divided field. The stepovers look good but half my larger trees are barren. Not an apple in sight. It’s done this before so I’m not too worried but even so …
Meanwhile, the heat cranks up to Californian levels.
What I am loving right now are the Fox and Cubs as featured in the photo. They are a wildflower and emerge out of the grass every year at this time. One day it’s grass and the next there they are! Their orange glow contrasts with the yellow and white of dandelions and daisies. I look out for them about this time. And what’s thrilling is they slowly multiply. This bunch was only a couple of stalks last year. What a joy.
– Alastair Creamer