Starting from June 5, we enter Bōshu, the period known as "Grain in Ear" in Japan’s traditional 24 seasonal divisions. Historically, this time has been a marker for beginning rice planting. The character “芒” refers to Poaceae, or grass family plants, signifying the season for sowing their seeds—especially rice.

One of the iconic flowers in season during Bōshu is the Ajisai, or hydrangea. Native to Japan, hydrangeas such as the mountain hydrangea (Yama-ajisai) and lacecap hydrangea (Gaku-ajisai) were the origin of the large, round blossoms now beloved worldwide under the name “hydrangea.” The more familiar voluminous forms seen abroad are actually the result of horticultural refinement. In contrast, the original Japanese varieties are modest in size and have a delicate, charming beauty.

For this Bōshu, we offer a seasonal arrangement that pairs the traditional, dainty hydrangeas with grasses from the Poaceae family—perfectly capturing the essence of early summer.