When the scenery changes
Ono Kaori
With the start of summer, the plants in the garden are growing freely. As those of you who have visited Utsushiki before may know, my garden is very large.
It's been almost seven years since I moved here, but I've always struggled with maintaining the garden.
Eucalyptus and mimosa
Lavender and holy basil,
While planting various fruit trees such as lemons and blueberries, as well as flowers,
It grows together with what are called weeds from spring to autumn.
Pulling weeds is like a never-ending exercise, no matter how much you pull out.
There are times when the word "annoying" comes to mind and I feel uncomfortable.
In the midst of all this, I spent a few days with everyone who helped me with the Ichikawa Takashi exhibition currently being held at Utsushiki, and I began to notice a small change within myself.
Although we were unable to proceed with the current exhibition as originally planned,
Tsumugi and Nosozora taught me about the wild plants and flowers in Utsushiki Garden and how to make wild plant tea. (After that, my husband became obsessed with wild plant tea.)
Yuyun made granola using horsetail from Utsushiki's garden and prepared a box of sweets.
Takakura Yuriko , who prepared food using Ichikawa's tableware, taught us how to remove the bitterness from ferns using camellia leaves, and how to eat and present vegetables in a delicious way.
Mr. Ichikawa taught us how to make distilled water from wild plants using a still, and while he was doing so we enjoyed tea with the children.
The night of the third day of the exhibition.
I soaked in a wild herb bath, moisturized with distilled water, and drank wild herb tea. I felt fulfilled in body and mind, and for the first time in a long time, I had a deep sleep that night.
When I woke up in the morning and walked around the garden,
A place where mugwort has never been noticed before,
The chickweed I was trampling on,
I was happy to find the bamboo leaves that I hated so much.
I was taken aback by the realization that the place I was standing in was filled with so many precious things. I suddenly felt connected to the earth.
Thank you for always being there.
I'm sorry for lumping them all together as "weeds!"
I once again felt the need to cherish this place.
I was able to see what was possible because of the current situation, so I would like to express my sincere gratitude for being given this opportunity.
Ichikawa's exhibition has been extended and the store will be open until the 17th.
Online will be available until 11am on the 18th.
(Appointment required. Store and online closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays)
Please enjoy until the end.
Ono Kaori
