Cherry blossoms and friends

In the Kanto region, we've had wild temperature swings. On Sunday, I took advantage of the intermitent sunshine to visit Shimizu Park in Noda City. As predicted, many varieties of cherry buds have opened.

Every year, Konjoin, the temple at the heart of the park displays specimens in front of the temple steps. This time, rather than just potted plants, the gardeners arranged cherry branches full of blooms accompanied by キブシ kibushi. The native kibushi produces flowers before leaves just like the cherry blossoms. The small, round flowers hang on long fronds that sway in the breeze.

Also in the garden is what I think is アセビ asebi, which is known as andromeda in English. Their blooming period coincides with cherry blossoms, too. Watch out as the flowers and leaves of this plant are toxic to humans and pets.

I caught the last of the モクレン mokuren, often called the Mulan magnolia. They're originally from China but found widely in Japan. They're grown all over the world, so you may know them from your home country. These flowers put on a show just before the cherry trees.

On the shady north side of the park, a few delicate white cherry trees are blooming,

and out by the car park on the west side is a row of vibrant pink ones.

The weather forecast for the Kanto region says we'll get rain...But that shouldn't put you off cherry blossom viewing. 

Happy hanami!