While the deep piles of snow might say otherwise, it is finally spring here in Aomori! Starbucks has released its annual set of sakura goods, and schools everywhere are festooned with cherry blossom decorations for graduations. And yet, we are still nearly a month away from hanami and cherry blossom festivities of any kind. In … Continue reading
By 遅刻魔の Mina Wagner ヤッホー! I hope that you all enjoyed your winter break and are settling into the new year. Given the lack of remarkable botanical action at this time of year, let’s take a break from seeds and talk about semantics. Plants play a tremendously important role in our lives and, as such, … Continue reading
By Mina Wagner ヤッホー! Winter is upon us, and the year is coming to a close. Most of the plants around us are dead and buried in a snowy grave, and of course we are reminded of the passing of all things—flowers, trees, the seasons, and time. Japanese culture often emphasizes this gentle, beautiful, sad … Continue reading
By Mina Wagner ヤッホ～！Welcome to Hana Madoi, a column dedicated to the wonder of plants here in Aomori. While some of us may long for a big city like Tokyo, I think that we are blessed to live in this “Blue Forest” so rich in nature. I must confess, I am no botanist–just a plant … Continue reading
Good Morning Aomori 