Greenery Day

 Today is the second of four national holidays that make up Golden Week. Today is Greenery Day, a day to appreciate nature.

The origins of Greenery Day are closely tied to Emperor Showa (Hirohito), who had a lifelong passion for plants and biology.

Before his passing in 1989, April 29th was celebrated as the Emperor's Birthday. That day was renamed Greenery Day until 2007, when April 29th became Showa Day, and May 4th was renamed Greenery Day. This shift helped distinguish between honouring the Showa era and celebrating nature itself.

This time of year is lovely in Japan, usually! The weather is mild, the humidity is low, a great chance to get out of the cities and enjoy nature. People tend to hike or have picnics. There are also a lot of botanical gardens to explore throughout Japan.

I just like the idea of not having to work for a few days! I used to teach during Golden Week, but most of my students would have plans, so it's easier just to have a break before the intense heat of the summer starts, which keaves me drained!

I have enough greenery around here, I don't have to go anywhere to appreciate it!

I had a little walk around the garden, it feels so fresh after that awful storm yesterday.

Just a little video of the garden. I really have to get out and trim the trees and try and pull more weeds. It really is never ending!

Not very clear but there are plums growing on the tree.

I have no idea what these are but they are pretty.

The side of the house

This side I need to clear out as much as possible as both the electric meter and water meter are down there, somewhere! I feel sorry for the workers who have to fight through that jungle just to read the meters. 

Does anyone enjoy gardening? I like the idea of gardening, once everything is set up but having to cleaar out this garden is putting me off the idea!