A chilly June First....

The temperature is right around 50 degrees -- with the wind keeping a chill in the air.  The garden was understandably quiet. When they stopped to listen, one of the guides pointed out to her tour group that a small maple tree next to the pond is called a "Koto no Ito"  - "Koto String Tree" -- which we hadn't noticed before.  A picture of the tree is below.  Regular visitors Bruce, with his friend Rebecca, and Tim, stopped by to listen. Such sturdy souls!  

The rhodedendrons are in full bloom. some reaching high into the sky.
Bamboo stalks at the entryway.
More irises in bloom along the pond.  
Tim, Bruce and Rebecca stopped by to enjoy the garden and listened to our music.
The "Koto to Ito" (Koto String Tree) near the pond.  The leaves are very narrow - like the strings of a koto.
The blossoms reflect the pond....the pond reflects the blossoms....which is which? Something to reflect upon....

The water lilies are beginning to bloom....