Southwest Softball

It’s probably a northern myth that we’re the only ones who get a feel for the changing of the seasons. Even as I’m sprawled on the couch watching the golfers opening the southern swing of the PGA tour in Florida and California, it’s plain to see that there are lots of trees without any foliage – a sure sign that something changed over the seasons. But I’m still not entirely sure that if you live somewhere that spring is not ushered in with all the fruit trees covered with blossoms, you’re missing something very special. And looking at my Japanese Cherry Bonsai tree, just starting to open up against the backdrop of my Japanese Garden, it’s almost worth the cold and the snow.

Even though in many parts of the country this wonderful outdoor bonsai will open its blossoms a little early for Mother’s Day, it still makes a fabulous gift idea and regardless of the time of year a Japanese themed garden idea will always work for me. I mix it up with some beautiful glass candle lanterns and some evergreen bonsai trees in just the right pots and the whole backyard comes together in one soothing oriental theme. There are so many different ways that you can approach your own back yard and whether you love to entertain or attract different birds or find a cool shady space to while away the hot summer afternoons, there’s a theme that a Japanese bonsai will fit.