Well, the black pine that roasted in the fire in 2021 finally fell over in a storm a couple weeks back. And with it went the lovely orchids, dendrobium moniliforme (in Japanese they are called setsukoku), that one of the Kawasaki ancestors had planted on it.
Though the tree’s a goner, I wanted to save the orchids. But I know very little about them aside from enjoying them in gardens and at shows. Lucky for me, we have one of Japan’s top experts right down the road. In fact, he is the chairman of the Japan Orchid Show and travels the world with his knowledge. I contacted Ohba-san for some help.
I presented my box full of broken branches and clinging plants with some trepidation. But I needn’t have worried. Ohba-san dove right in with gentle enthusiasm and started assessing. First, he untangled some small, loose orchids from the mass of branches. These little ones can be grown into full plants themselves and he had his wife pot them up while we continued.
I learned what to do with the larger plants that were deeply embedded in the branches. They can be tied to trees (ones with rough bark are best) to give the orchids’ roots access to take up moisture and nutrients. In the case of my orchids, preferably at eye level to be seen and sniffed when they bloom. Ohba-san found each branch’s best orientation – some were quite artistic, as nature often is.
These orchids are special. They are pink, where most of these type are white, and they’re scented. They are in the lineage of Kiyosumi orchids. I believe they were planted on the pine two or three generations back, but Ohba-san thinks this Oyama cultivar is much earlier.
So I left Ohba Orchids with confidence that I’d be able to take care of the plants. I also received some cut flowers to enjoy. And Ohba-san looked out for our mutual friends, too, because he knows they like orchids. I have some Oyama pink orchids to hand around today! I have a nice clump of orchid on a tree branch for the Kawasakis, too, if they want to keep some of the family flowers at their new home.
This morning I went out and tied the main mass to the yuzu tree. It fits perfectly. It’s in a lovely position within the garden, and it will be easy to enjoy them from the old stone patio when they bloom again next year.
I am grateful to all of our good neighbors. They are constantly deepening my conviction that Oyama is a magical, remarkable place in the world.
