Morning Glories 朝顔

Morning glories are popular summer flowers in Japan. In fact, most elementary school children have experienced growing them in science class. Morning glory markets are held in many places such as Iriya in Tokyo, and they are special attraction in summer throughout Japan. The plants are attractively arranged small pots.

I have grown morning glories for the past three years to make a green curtain to shield my house from the sun.  I spread a net to cover windows while the seedlings are still small. The vines of the morning glories become entangled in the net and create a nice green curtain to cut the summer sunshine in an eco-friendly way. Once I had grown them, I could collect enough seeds in the autumn for the next year.

The only problem is that I am always late in planting my seeds, even though summer is starting earlier and earlier every year. This year, the rainy season ended in June, which means summer started 25 days earlier than usual year.  I have made a promise to myself to make my nice green curtain at the right time next year!!!