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.
During the rainy season, poor air circulation can lead to an increase in pests and diseases. Remove the stems of Gymnaster savatieri that have finished flowering and the flower spikes of the acanthus. Also remove any damaged or withered leaves. Spray with a fungicide to prevent the onset of disease. The acanthus will soon enter its summer dormancy period. The cut acanthus flower spikes can be dried and used as decorations.
In the shade garden, plants with beautiful foliage thrive. Among them, the acanthus is particularly striking, with its glossy, pointed leaves featuring deep lobes; furthermore, the flowers that bloom at this time of year, rising on tall spikes, captivate with their unique, unparalleled form. We have also planted variegated varieties in the garden, though unfortunately they are not in bloom at present. On the wall of the garden room window overlooking the shade garden hangs wallpaper designed some 150 years ago by the English designer William Morris, featuring acanthus leaves as its motif.
The spring rains have been persistent, and the garden is thoroughly soaked. The trees and plants are sprouting, and various flowers are beginning to bloom, marking the true arrival of spring.
In the Bathtub Pool, the water lily leaves have emerged. The potted purple brachycome is in full bloom.
バスタブの池では睡蓮の葉が出てきました。鉢植えの紫のブラキカムは満開です。
On the terrace, the potted tulips look as though they are about to bloom any moment now.
テラスでは鉢植えのチューリップが今にも咲きそうになってきました。
In the potager, vegetables and flowers are growing, with the red of the tulips providing a splash of colour amongst the flax.
ポタジェでは野菜や草花が育ち、亜麻の間にチューリップの赤い色がアクセントになっています。
In the bluebell garden, the petals of the wild cherry trees have begun to fall; looking up, the trees are in full bloom. I am a little worried that the rain and wind might blow them all away.
Acanthus is characterised by its deeply lobed leaves, a design motif also seen in ancient Greek architecture. After its summer dormancy, new leaves begin to emerge in autumn, becoming lush in winter before extending long flower spikes in early summer bearing slightly purple-tinged blooms.
In the shade garden, Acanthus mollis now spreads its large leaves, becoming the star of the shade garden.
シェードガーデンでは今、アカンサスモリスが大きな葉を広げて、シェードガーデンの主役になっています。
Additionally, variegated acanthus grows in the urn. This variety produces beautiful white flowers.
また、壷型プランターには斑入りのアカンサスが育っています。こちらは美しい白い花を咲かせます。
On the wall with a window overlooking the acanthus in the garden room, we have fitted wallpaper featuring William Morris's bold acanthus design. The window is draped with pale blue curtains in the same pattern.
The weather has turned thoroughly autumnal, with mornings and evenings growing rather chilly. The Acanthus mollis, dormant during summer with its aboveground parts withered away, began producing new leaves from late summer and has now grown considerably larger. The variegated Acanthus planted alongside the creeping wire vine in the urn is also putting out new leaves.
The Japanese anemones at the base of the plum tree began blooming from late October. It is a very beautiful flower with pure white petals and golden stamens.
The leaves of the plants in the shade garden are beautifully moist from the rain. Liriope muscari is blooming with blue flowers. Acanthus is dormant in summer and has few leaves. The variegated leaves of Solomon's seal and the leaves of hostas are also very beautiful. Even during long periods of sunshine, they do not wither and remain beautiful.
