My wife and I started gardening in Fukuoka (Japan) in 2003. There was nothing but muddy clayey sloping land. At the beginning we made several structure such as steps and paths, and planted turf, fruit trees, roses, herbs etc.
In 2010, we visited several famous English gardens, including Sissinghurst Castle Garden, Mottisfont Abbey Garden and Hidcote Manor Garden. We were shocked by the glory of those gardens. Since then, we have been trying to make small but glorious gardens by ourselves.
Solomon's seal has started to flower in the shade garden, following the Gymnaster savatieri. The many long, narrow bell-shaped flowers hanging from the branches are unforgettably pretty at first sight. Potted lily of the valley is also in bloom. This one has short bell-shaped pure white flowers, which are also very pretty.
The shade garden is located in the north-east shade of the garden room and receives sun for short periods in the mornings and afternoons. Under the plum tree grows a group of plants that mainly prefer semi-shade or shade.
The central and most leafy plant, the Acanthus mollis, spreads new leaves in autumn after a summer dormancy, keeps its beautifully shaped large leaves through the winter and produces its distinctive and exotic flowers in early summer with spikes of flowers. Surrounded by about three species of hostas, helleborus, Solomon's seal, Liriope muscari and Gymnaster savatieri are growing here. The mix of foliage of different shapes and colours makes this a beautiful flowerbed even when there are no flowers.
In April, the Solomon's seal and the white Gymnaster are in flower. The lily of the valley is also planted in a pot and carefully nurtured. All of these are wonderful perennials that remind us of spring.