The first time I visited the Kokufu-ten was in 1999. I remember thinking, “wow, that’s a lot of trees.” Over the course of a week I saw the exhibit twice and felt like I was only just starting to gain an appreciation for the subtle artistry that went into the trees. This year I was in and out of the exhibit on several occasions which gave me the opportunity to relax and enjoy the trees that struck my fancy. On a couple of occasions I visited the exhibit with friends – other times I wondered through the aisles of trees alone. Just about every visit led to an encounter with at least one of you (thanks for saying hello!) which I greatly appreciated.

Here, then, is a final pass through the 2014 Kokufu-ten, starting with some of the deciduous trees on display.

Ume – Kokufu Prize

Ume – Kokufu prize

Trident maple – look at the roots!

Chinese quince – great branches

Japanese flowering quince ‘Chojubai’

Trident maple

Japanese maple

Ume

Trident maple

Korean hornbeam

And here’s an accent plant.

Accent plant in an antique roof tile on a hand-crafted slab

And a broadleaf evergreen.

Satsuki azalea

And finally, some more of the conifers on display.

Japanese black pine

White pine

Chinese juniper

Japanese black pine

Chinese juniper

Yew

Chinese juniper

Yew

Chinese juniper

Ezo spruce

White pine

Needle juniper

Chinese juniper

Thanks for joining me on this return to the exhibit – I hope you enjoyed the tour!