Marshalls Abroad

Life

Motobu, Okinawa // Tropical Gardens

One of the many things we love about our Okinawan friends and neighbors is that they can turn even the smallest plot of dirt into something extraordinarily beautiful. Some of our neighbors have only a foot or two from their house to the street and yet continually take the time to make those small spaces overflowing with flowers of every color. I smile whenever I come home and see the poppies, hollyhocks, Easter lilies and cosmos blooming on the side of the road.

I also love how our neighbors of all ages spend so much time outside, walking, bike riding, talking with each other. And we’ve come to appreciate the attention to detail that has a long home in Japanese culture. Like these pretty gardens up North! Have you ever been able to walk through a traditional or western-influenced Japanese garden before? You’ve probably noticed the detail and thought put into every pathway, pond and layout, that goes beyond the plants and flowers. There isn’t anything haphazard about it. There is art and style in the details that I probably would have overlooked two years ago, but appreciate now after living amongst such a lovely culture.

Now if they would only fill them with peonies… (;


Comments

  1. christin says

    honestly, you take the most stunning photos! and i want to live by your neighbors, tomorrow. therefore we'd be neighbors and I could come over for dinner 🙂

  4. Jay says

    I've visited a few Japanese gardens (outside of Japan) and you're right – there is a certain attention to detail and an air of calm that is so unique to them.

  7. My Name Is Madeline says

    Beautiful photos, as always! I love your blog Amanda, and am so envious of your life in Japan, it looks beautiful. I also just read your love story for the first time, not sure how I have missed it in the past, but that is a beautiful story. Your family seems incredible!

  8. Rachel says

    So lovely! I am there with you…I can't get enough of beautiful blooms and gardens. Especially here in New England, spring makes you appreciate how wonderful it is to be outside!

  12. Emily grapes says

    I love their attention to detail in their gardens. You have to appreciate someone who will still take a large amount of pride on 2 little feet of yard. Says far more than me w/my little strip I have at home. haha

  16. jhlad says

    You are an unbelievable photographer and it looks beyond gorgeous there. The flowers and gardens are exquisite. Quite a bit different from DC, to say the least!

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