Himeji Castle Nishinooyashikiato Garden Kokoen

The city of Himeji situated about 2 hours journey from Osaka, is not a very touristy city like its neighbour Kyoto, but has a treasure worth visiting. Himeji castle, perched on a hill, is a world heritage site. However what we are featuring here is not the 17th century castle but the garden at the foot of the castle. Himeji Castle Nishinooyashikiato Garden Kokoen may not be as old as the castle but it has all the elements of a Japanese garden, with plants for all the four seasons.

Forest

Our world, as we know is not a deserted flat land. It is a great spherical globe which sustains a rich variety of different habitats and thus able to enrich us with so many different population of animals and plants of differing species. It is amazing to think about the array of flora and fauna sharing this world and even more overwhelming when one has the privilege to see the different habitats that some call home. I, undeservingly so, was given such an honour to observe the everyday life of the creatures sharing our country’s wonderful environment. 

An Old Cottage Near Banbury

The ride to Carmen and David’s place was a breeze. In fact it was more than a breeze the wind was almost whistling through the half opened wind-screen. Daisies were merrily dancing in between the tall grass. I was exhilarated... I was thinking to myself I am cheap! Exhilarated by the breeze and dancing weeds ! But the truth is it is the flowering weeds and tall grass and daffodils and bluebells by the fringes of the Woodlands that I miss most about this part of the world. I got a fleeting tutorial from Carmen about the traditional use of of the weeds, but that is another story.
We passed picturesque villages. Quaint thatched cottages with climbing roses framing their front doors, their little Gardens a riot of colours.

Wish I did not pack my camera in my suitcase in the boot. Arriving at the road just outside Carmen and David’s place, I was pleasantly surprised at the sight of Wisteria Cottage. The owners planted the trees on the side wall and trained it to trail around the house. In my mind I can imagine how lovely it would look in Spring and early summer all covered with purple blooms.

We walked up the path shaded by the 100year old sycamore tree. Approaching the gate we had a pink welcome from the valerian blooms. Apparently this shrub have many active ingredients that gives a relaxing effect which is good treatment for mild depression and anxiety. It can also induce sleep for insomniacs. Carmen offered to brew valerian tea for me but she did warn me that it does not smell too good.

Guide to Groundcovers and Bedding Plants

Chrysothemis pulchella
A lucious looking herbaceous plant with a deep burnished colour leaves. The flowers are orange-yellow and trumpet shaped. The plant is usually found grown in pots but makes a very attractive groundcover and bedding plant. However it does not tolerate strong direct sunlight. A shady area in the garden will ensure better growth. Propagation is easy and can be by cuttings.