貴重な「日本シャクナゲ」と共にある四季の生活

　古来より日本の山岳地帯で何十万年も生き続けてる「日本シャクナゲ」に感銘した私は、現在、庭で２本を育ててます。時々、倉賀野をウォーキングし、あちこち見渡しても「日本シャクナゲ」に出会うことは先ずありません。このため、貴重なシャクナゲです。この「日本シャクナゲ」が、ここ数日、色濃く紅葉し、その後、古い葉は落葉し、何とはなしに侘しい晩秋の佇まいが感じられます。

　しかし、日本シャクナゲは常緑樹です。このため、ご覧の通り、現在、緑の葉と紅葉した葉が混在し、コントラストがきれいです。常緑樹とは常に緑の葉をつけてますが、実は、古い葉は紅葉し、その後に落葉します。来春４月の開花後に新芽が生じ、再来年に咲く蕾が生まれます。このため、常に、次の季節のために準備しています。

　近年、私が群馬県北部で「日本シャクナゲ」の群生を確認した場所は嬬恋村の「愛妻の丘」です。その名が示す通り、ここは私には縁のない場所です。しかし、広大な大自然に囲まれた高地で景色は抜群で、群馬県では私のお気に入りです。あるいは、内心、嬬恋と愛妻という地名に憧れてるのかもしれません。来年の５月～６月の開花時には、再度、愛車でこの地を訪れ、本場の「日本シャクナゲ」を見て、深みある日本の美を感じたい。

【英文には、上記の文と多少の差異がございます。】

Dear my friends who are crazy about Japanese rhododendron and great music.

　The simultaneous interpretation into English for our mutual understanding will be done after my breakfast in Japan time.

................................................

　I'm deeply impressed by the Japanese rhododendron, which has survived in Japan's mountainous regions for hundreds of thousands of years since ancient times. So that I currently have two Japanese rhododendron growing in my garden. Occasionally, I take walks through Kuragano-town and look around, but it's rare to come across a Japanese rhododendron. This means so precious. As you can see in the photo, these Japanese rhododendrons have turned a deep red over the past few days, and then the older leaves fell off. This natural phenomenon is creating a somewhat desolate late autumn atmosphere.

　However, Japanese rhododendron is evergreen tree. Therefore, as you can see, the current mixture of green and red leaves creates a beautiful contrast. Evergreen trees always have green leaves throughout the year, but in fact, the older leaves turn red and then gradually fall off. After flowering in April next spring, new shoots will appear, forming buds that will bloom the year after next. This means it is always preparing for the next season.

　In recent years, the place in northern Gumma Prefecture where I've recognized a gregarious place of Japanese rhododendrons is "Aisai no Oka" that means a hill of beloved wife in Tsumagoi-Village. As the name suggests, this is a place that has no connection to my situation. However, the highland scenery surrounded by vast nature is outstanding, and it's my favorite place in Gumma Prefecture. Or perhaps deep down, I adore the place names both of Tsumagoi and Aisai. When the flowers bloom here in May or June next year, I'd like to return to this place by my blue cope together with you in heart, see the authentic Japanese rhododendrons, and appreciate the profound beauty of Japan.