Our garden’s soil has been lovingly nurtured and rested for more than a year, patiently awaiting the arrival of spring. This coming season, I am thrilled to plant a Japanese persimmon tree, a yuzu tree, a plum tree, and a kiwi tree. The mere thought of watching these young plants grow into strong, flourishing trees fills me with joyous anticipation.

Over the past year, I’ve taken the time to observe the neighboring gardens and the rural towns I’ve visited. Time and again, I noticed how many dedicated farmers cultivate these vibrant fruit trees. With the exception of the kiwi tree, all of these species are native to this region, and I hold onto the hope that they will thrive in our climate here in Gifu. Of course, their success depends on the health of our soil and the care they receive.

As spring approaches, I will plant one of each tree in our garden, ensuring they have well-drained, sunny spots to flourish. I am particularly excited about the kiwi tree, renowned for its hardiness. My mother-in-law assures me that these plants thrive well here, so I am eager to give it a try. I envision a bountiful harvest of kiwis—not just for our own enjoyment, but also as a delightful treat to share with our neighbors.

Inspired by our community, who frequently bless us with delicious persimmons, I find myself pondering the question: why not cultivate our own fruits from our own soil? In Japan, where fruits can often be quite pricey, growing our own fruit trees feels like creating a living asset—one that provides us with healthy, fresh produce. This embodies the way of life in rural Japan: nurturing vegetables and fruits, sharing with our community, and reveling in the bounties of nature.

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