Ume (Japanese apricot) flowers: Ofuna Flower Center (Kamakura)

Although the gloomy winter sky is persisting and the biting cold is showing no sign of retreat, Ume flowers have begun blooming gracefully to let us know of the stealth arrival of spring in the quiet, pale gardens.

These flowers seem still delicate, and their fragrance remains faint. In the depth of winter, I had noticed their buds appearing secretly on the dark, slender twigs, patiently enduring the bitter coldness and dryness of gray winter days.

After weathering the harsh winter, starved birds are beginning to joyfully dance on the flowers and lap up their sweet nectar as if to seek the blessings of the long-awaited spring.