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.
The acacia and wild cherry trees are blooming together, filling the garden with the vibrant splendour of spring. In the evening, I set up the lighting. As it gradually grew darker, the yellow of the acacia blossoms became more vivid. As it was a moonlit night, even when I turned off the light, the flowers still glowed faintly against the darkness of the night.
The wild cherry blossoms are gradually coming into bloom, and spring is now in full swing. Acacia baileyana was covered in yellowish buds during the cold season, and though we had been eagerly awaiting its bloom, it has finally begun to flower, turning the garden a vivid yellow. There are still plenty of buds left, so full bloom is likely a little way off, but the bluebell garden has suddenly brightened up. It shines all the more brilliantly as it catches the morning sun rising from the summit of Itoshima Fuji (Kaya Mountain).
In the bluebell garden, following the first white Japanese apricot blossoms (Kizannhaku), another variety 'Bungo-Ume' has begun to bloom. The Bungo-Ume has a very fine fragrance and bears large fruit. The bluebells have also begun to sprout. Spring has truly arrived. And above the Bungo plum trees, the large, lush acacia (Acacia mollissima) is laden with countless flower buds, turning the entire tree a beautiful yellow-green. I look forward to its flowering.
The acacia 'Golden top', which blooms in autumn, began opening its flowers gradually from around the end of October and is now approaching full bloom in late November. Its appearance, covered in numerous small yellow pompons, is identical to that of the spring-flowering acacia. On this mild, sunny day (so called Indian summer), the sunshine makes the yellow all the more vivid. The contrast with the colour of the neighbouring blueberry leaves, now turning red, is also beautiful. As there are still buds present, it should remain enjoyable until around early December.
We are growing the autumn-flowering Acacia conferta “Golden Top” beside the shed in the main garden.
Previously, it was cultivated at the entrance above the garden, where white lantana now grows, but its trunk snapped and it died during a typhoon several years ago. It was unfortunate that it stood in the path of the wind.
Consequently, this time we planted the seedling in its current spot, where the wind is less likely to pass through freely. This year, it has grown large branches and, for the first time, produced numerous flower buds. Several blossoms have opened, displaying lovely yellow pom-pom-shaped flowers.
While examining the branches, I spotted a yellow butterfly hanging motionless. An empty chrysalis lay right beside it, confirming it had just emerged. At first, it didn't move even when touched, but within minutes, it fluttered away. Every day, several yellow butterflies visit the acacia, occasionally laying eggs.
Soon, the entire tree will be dyed a vivid yellow. I look forward to it.
Acacia baileyana (mimosa) above the bluebell garden is in full bloom. The wild cherry blossoms have almost completely fallen and the leaves are growing thickly. New shoots of Japanese apricot, quince and pear trees are growing and the bluebell garden is completely in spring. The bluebells are also growing thickly.
The small, round, yellow flowers of the acacia are shining in the morning sun.
