In the weeks leading to our 2-week trip to Asia, my mom kept asking if we would see cherry blossoms in Japan. I told her what I read in the news, “it might be too early.” Sakura (cherry blossom) season is late March in Japan, not the middle of March when we would be there. I try to keep my expectations realistic so I won’t be disappointed.

It was already spring in Taiwan when we arrived. I immediately shed my down jacket when I was leaving the airport because it would be silly to wear a down jacket in 65-degrees weather. As we walked the streets that first day, I felt like I’ve landed in a different world. When I left home, it was cold and snowy. There, in Taipei, flowers were blooming everywhere.

On day 3 of the trip, when we were on our way to see Chang Kai-Shek’s former home, we meandered through a garden. There were asters, petunias, and hydrangeas blooming, 3 flowers that wouldn’t bloom for at least another 3 months in northern Utah. I felt like I was in paradise. I even peeked at the soil beneath. There was no need for mulch as there are plenty of rain in Taiwan.

Later that day, we rode the bus up the mountain, hoping to tour Chang Kai-Shek’s writing studio. What can I say? My mom is a big fan of his.

Unbeknownst to us, the visitor center to the writing studio was a kilometer hike from the bus stop. It was one of the most interesting hike I’ve ever been on because I got to see people’s garden along the way, like how trees are planted in grow bags, the trellises used for vegetables, and (ooh!) look, cherry blossoms! I told myself, this is just in case I don’t get to see cherry blossoms in Japan.

We only saw cherry blossoms in one spot when we got to Kumamoto, Japan, a few days later – on the rooftop terrace of the bus station (Sakuramachi Bus Terminal). The cherry trees elsewhere were still only at its budding stage. It fulfilled my expectation. I was not disappointed. Saw cherry blossoms in Japan, check.

When we arrived home on March 21, 2025, at first glance, everything in the garden looked static, as if nothing happened while I was gone. The only thing that was blooming were the crocuses, which I often view it as the first sign of spring. I love this variety of crocus and wish I have more of it.

On Sunday, March 23rd, as the temperature gradually warmed, the garden began to wake. By March 24th, all the plants in the garden have burst to life, as if someone shouted, “WAKE UP!!!” and jolted everyone awake.

Since then, things in the garden have been changing fast. For example, the daffodil was not blooming in the morning but it began to bloom in the evening. I don’t think I’ve ever seen the garden change so quickly.

I guess spring is really here.

For SundayStills