Official

　May 4th is Green Day. It is a season when plants sprout, green leaves penetrate the eyes, and you can feel the energy and vitality of nature. In the usual year, I was invited by the soft sunlight and my feet turned to parks and green spaces, but this year, as the spread of COVID-19 infection, declaration of a state of emergency was issued nationwide, and there was a need to work from home, close schools, and refrain from going out. The main characters of this season are fresh greenery and azaleas.

"Azalea" is generally a generic term for evergreen or deciduous plants of the genus Azalea to Odaka tree. In narrow sense, it refers to a group of kaempferi azalea except satsuki azalea. The size and flower color of the flowers vary, and many horticultural varieties are cultivated, and it is said to be a difficult group. The corolla is funnel-shaped and splits five, radiant symmetry. You can see a unique spot called "nectar guide" on the upper petals. Wild species in Japan include kaempferi azalea, Kyushu azalea, and Mochizalea, and horticultural varieties include Kirishimatsu azalea (Kirishima, Kurume azalea) and Hirado azalea (including great purple emperor). It is impressive that the flowers bloom vividly, and in addition to the natural tree shape, there are various ways to enjoy the round-cut tree shape, pot cultivation, bonsai seen in the garden. At Harumi Triton Square, colorful "azaleas" flowers are in full bloom on the walking paths of South Triton Park, North Triton Park, Flower Terrace, and Green Terrace.