On a shinkansen between Tokyo and Kyoto

Purifying before entering the temple. Kyoto, Japan

In the Shosen-en Garden in Kyoto. A traditionasl building in the exquisite garden. The scene exudes tranquality. September 2008. Kyoto, Japan.

The beautiful Shosei-en Garden in Kyoto, Japan in 2008. This scene of the wooden bridge called Shinsetsu-kyo is typical of the garden's tranquil beauty. Learn more about the garden here https://www.kyotostation.com/the-shosei-en-garden/

I really wasn't sure the young yoshino cherry tree would survive. It was in transplant shock and wavered between life and death for months. I watered, fed, and talked to it. A few branches revived and, eventually, there were blooms!!! It's not fully out of the woods yet. My fingeres are crossed. Maryland. April 2016.