June 23, 2012

Hanashobu (Iris ensata)flowers in Meigetsu-in


Ajisai (Hydrangea) flowers in Zuisen-ji


Hanashobu (Iris ensata) flowers in Meigetsu-in


Iwatabako (Conandron ramondioides) flowers in Tokei-ji


Hanashobu (Iris ensata) flowers in Meigetsu-in


Iwatabako (Conandron ramondioides) flowers in Tokei-ji


Gaku-ajisai (Hydrangea macrophylla) flowers in Engaku-ji


Hanashobu (Iris ensata) flowers in Meigetsu-in


Tsutsuji (Rhododendron) flowers in Meigetsu-in


Hanashobu (Iris ensata) flowers in Meigetsu-in


June 10, 2012

Iwagarami (Schizophragma hydrangeoides) flowers in Tokei-ji


In the garden of this temple, just before the rainy season, the small modest flowers of Iwagarami (which means "a plant that clings to a rock") bloom all together over the surfaces of rocks in the shade.

The inflorescence of this climbing plant has plenty of small bisexual flowers in its center and white ornamental flowers around these bisexual flowers.

Each of the ornamental flowers has an white petal-like calyx and a small degraded flower organ concealed in its base. This bright ornamental flower functions as a conspicuous sign for attracting flower-visiting insects.

Ayame (Iris sanguinea) flowers in Tokei-ji


Purple and violet are the dominant colors among the flowers of this rainy season.

The pale rainwater may cause these noble colors by mixing with the scarlet or red pigments of flowers.

The elegant but bizarre shape of an Iris flower has the purpose of skillfully putting pollen on the hairy bodies of the humble-bees which visit this flower.

Iwatabako (Schizophragma hydrangeoides) flowers in Tokei-ji


The small purple flowers of Iwatabako are eagerly extending beyond the wet rock surface in competition for inviting bumble-bees.

These star-shaped flowers seem to be the lovable fairies of the rainy season who kindly console us for the loss of a deep blue sky.

Iwagarami (Schizophragma hydrangeoides) flowers in Tokei-ji


The white ornament flowers of Iwagarami are reflecting the pale sunlight of this rainy season brightly.

The light and shadow flowing down over the rock surface are finely adorning the modest and delicate beauty of Iwagarami flowers.

A Nami-ageha (Papilio xuthus) butterfly in Kita-kamakura


A butterfly, which seems to have hatched out from its cocoon, is quietly waiting for the moment of flying high in the sky.

The beautiful markings on its wings are harmonizing with the vivid violet flower to a miracle.

Iwatabako (Conandron ramondioides) flowers in Tokei-ji


The small pentacle flowers of the rainy season are staring us as if to try to let us know about the secret of the rain.

Gaku-ajisai (Hydrangea macrophylla) flowers in Tokei-ji


The rainy season has arrived.

The flowers of Ajisai, whose colors are enriched with the rainwater, begin to bloom.