Picture this ridiculous scene. A landscaper standing under a tree attempting to blow off all of its leaves. Forcing fall. Why the rush? Many trees are planted for fall colour. Let’s enjoy it. The trees can handle everything on their own.
The clients are better served by a quick blow of last week’s dropped leaves. Anything that doesn’t look fresh should be removed. Once the blow is completed, you’re done. The fresh leaves on the ground should be enjoyed. Let’s not panic. I shake my head when I see my landscape colleagues standing under trees, blasting them with backpack blowers in a rush to force fall. Two dudes, side by side, looking happy with their efficient idea. I find it almost sad.
Contrast that to Japan, where fall colours are thoroughly enjoyed. People flock to places like ancient Kyoto just to see the fall colours on temple sites that are thousands of years old. It’s an event. They pay hefty tour fees to experience it.
The Japanese invented blowers but you will be hard-pressed to see them in action. Definitely not in Kyoto, the ancient capital. By the way, Kyoto is a live-bucket list item. See it at least once in your life. My in-laws used to go every fall; now health problems interfere. You will fall in love with the place.
Rumour has it, Kyoto gardeners are a bit snobby. I can see why. If there was a well-paying opening, I’d go next week. The many temples and gardens are unbelievable. I remember arriving at the Kyomizudera temple (top 3 place after the gold and silver temples) so early that the cleaning staff was still vacuuming the big deck. The same deck where they used to throw unfortunate souls over the side to their deaths.
Let’s enjoy our fall colours like the Japanese. Let’s not force fall. The trees know what to do. Let’s make it an event.
