Ume blossoms viewing at Osaka Castle Park

"Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts. There is something infinitely healing in the repeated refrains of nature -- the assurance that dawn comes after night, and spring after winter."

                                                      - Rachel Carson -

(Click on the photo to enlarge.)

Ume blossoms season has come!  梅 Ume, or Japanese apricot, is one of the earliest fragrant bloomers to harbinger spring.  They start flowering when air is still cold one by one.  A few of modest but elegant flowers braving the cold symbolize strength, resilience, perseverance, and purity. 

bursting blooms on March 6th

While I was involved in grand parenting since last early December, season has changed.  When the winter chill suddenly turned to early spring warmth last week, my granddaughter returned to her parents on her mother’s leaving hospital.  She's gone with winter!  She will be an elder sister in March or early April.  As for myself, while I’m so relieved and happy for my son's family, I feel listless with a void in my heart.  To such a person, nature has a way, so I went to view Ume blossoms which burst into bloom because of April-like warmth of the last week.

The place is Ume Grove of Osaka Castle Park.  It is an urban oasis.

Walking through the grove in the morning, I was very relaxed. Ume blossoms of about 100 varieties in various colors and greeting chirps of lovely birds would have brought theraputic effects on my body and mind. 

If you plan to go, I highly recommend to start your day early.  At 11:00 a.m. on weekday when I left the park, the ume grove was already bustling with people.

pink

pale pink

white

deep pink



red



weeping type

White-eye



Trunks are as attractive as flowers. 

This gnarled trunk look swimming freely in the air.

Osaka Castle was built during 1583-1597 by order of Toyotomi Hideyoshi.  The current main tower is a restoration work completed in 1997 which maintains its Edo-era splendor. The castle is made of concrete different from original wooden structure and elevator is installed so that the interior can work as a modern and functioning museum.



On the way to the nearest station, JR Kansai Loop Line, Osaka-jo Koen

Today is the second anniversary of 2011 Tohoku Earthquake and Tsunami.  As I read and hear the still ongoing pains and struggles of the victims, my heart aches and I think how unfair the life is. No matter what happens, I think I'll keep remembering the blooms of ume after the harsh winter.     

Japan Earthquake, 2 years later: Before and After (The Atlantic)





押絵, or collage painting, of Ume blossoms by the late aunt of my husband

- This post is linked to Our World. -