Sion (Aster tataricus) flowers: Kaizo-ji

As I entered the modest garden of Kaizo-ji temple, my eyes were dazzled by the countless purple flowers of Sion blooming brightly in the transparent sun of early autumn. The deep pink flowers of Fuyo (confederate rose,) which were once in full glory in late summer, have already passed their prime.

The seasons always come and go in a stealthy manner. Like the silent messages from the earth, the various seasonal flowers, which appear unexpectedly under my eyes, unveil this secret transition at the beginning of each season.

Tsumagurohyomon (Argyreus hyperbius) butterfly (female): Kita-kamakura

The elegant swallowtail butterflies of summer, that used to soar gracefully in the intense sunlight, have already disappeared into the air. 

Now, the butterfly with orange wings marked with black and silver are busily flitting in the autumn sky to search for flower nectar and mating partners. As autumn deepens and winter approaches, butterflies must vanish out of sight secretly.

Butterflies cope with the hardness of cold winter in a variety of ways to survive and leave offspring. Some kinds of butterflies endure harsh winter as larvae or adults by lying in concealment in the shadow to protect themselves from enemies.

There are butterflies which lay eggs before the arrival of winter, and there are butterflies whose larvae become chrysalises before winter and quietly wait for spring in their hiding places to depart from the chilly ground into the warm spring sky.

Sion (Aster tataricus) flowers: Kaizo-ji

 

Shumeigiku (Anemone hupehensis) flowers: Kita-kamakura

The elegant flowers of Shumeigiku are quietly blooming toward the sky as if to heartily enjoy the blessings of the calm and transparent sunlight of late autumn.

The white petal-like parts of the flowers are sepals, which decorate and highlight the small orange flowers to attract pollinating insects in the tranquil shade.

The blooming season of graceful autumn flowers will end soon, and severe winter deepens little by little. Flowers rapidly disappear from the garden and most living things begin to prepare their quiet winter-sleep. 

For crowning the autumn glory splendidly, leaves have hurriedly started their gradual transformation to brilliant colors.

Rindo (gentian) flowers: Kaizo-ji

The deepening of autumn makes the blue flowers of Rindo bloom on the stalk lying the ground. These flowers open fully toward the sun only on fine days and close at night or on cloudy or rainy days.

The vivid blueness of them might be derived from the transparent azure sky of mid-autumn.

Autumn seascape: Yuigahama-beach

 

Karamon (Chinese-style gate) : Kencho-ji

 

Hototogisu (Tricyrtis hirta) flowers: Kaizo-ji

 

Rindo (gentians) flowers: Kaizo-ji