Otto's blog

Higanbana - Red Spider Lily

Oct

10

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This time every year you can see this flower blooming around Japan, especially beside rivers. The color is almost always bright red, but I was surprised to recently spot a yellow version, and a white version too. Have you ever seen these colors?

In the Japanese name, `higan` is a Buddhist term for the period of seven days around the Spring or Autumn equinox (bana/hana means flower).

Of course you`re thinking, "Wow - it`s pretty. But can I eat it?" Unfortunately the answer is no; they`re poisonous to eat.

One Man`s Trash #3

Jul

29

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Bamboo is fantastic. I think it`s proof there is a God (or Devil, if you`ve ever tried to get rid of it from your garden).

It can be as strong as steel, sharp as a knife, or so soft you can eat it! It`s useful for making all sorts of things, from boats to vases.

As you can see, my skill level is not high enough for the boat option yet, but this vase I made from bamboo looks pretty nice, don`t you think? I made it from bamboo I found on the beach at Mihama.

I stole the flowers from my mother-in-law`s garden.