The damp and gray rainy season in Japan runs for about a month from June to July, followed by a summer of searing heat. The lovely hydrangea provides a breath of fresh air at this time of year. The garden of Meigetsuin Temple in Kamakura, also known as the Hydrangea Temple, displays more than 3,000 hydrangea, most of which are the ancient Japanese variety himeajisai known for its deep blue color. Each year, people visit the temple to appreciate the flowers at their peak.

Affection for seasonal flowers has been part of Japanese culture since ancient times; flowers express the passing of time, perspectives on life, and personal reflections. Written between the midfifth century and the eighth century, the Manyoshu, Japan's oldest collection of poetry, contains around 4,500 verses, of which as many as 1,500 mention flowers and plants -- 150 different types in all, including the hydrangea.