A mobile botanical garden where you can see, touch, feel and enjoy with all five senses
To celebrate its 5th anniversary, GOOD NATURE STATION will hold various events throughout the year under the theme of "5 YEARS 5 GOODS." The keyword from July to September was "GOOD for Locals."
To commemorate the 100th anniversary of the opening of the Kyoto Prefectural Botanical Gardens, GOOD NATURE STATION held a "Mobile Botanical Garden." In the heart of the town of Shijo Kawaramachi, you can experience plants through gallery exhibitions and workshops, and experience their size, texture, scent, and more with all five senses!
The event started on July 6th, but due to popular demand it was extended by one month and continued until September 30th.
Kyoto Prefectural Botanical Garden is the oldest public botanical garden in Japan, having opened in 1924 (Taisho 13). It is one of the leading botanical gardens in the country, cultivating approximately 12,000 types of plants, including rare varieties such as endangered species and plants that have never bloomed in Japan before.
"What if we could create a botanical garden in the city?" Kyoto It seems that the Prefectural Botanical Garden has had such a feeling for a long time. Located in the middle of the city, the hotel is full of greenery, and GOOD NATURE STATION is the perfect location. On the occasion of the 5th anniversary of GOOD NATURE STATION, we hit it off with the theme of "5YEARS 5GOODS" as we aim to disseminate information that will lead to a sustainable future. With the keyword "GOOD for local," we have realized a "business trip botanical garden GOOD NATURE STATION× Kyoto Prefectural Botanical Garden" that connects people, nature, and the community.
We visited the backyard of Kyoto Prefectural Botanical Garden. The staff guided us around and helped us get a better idea of the special exhibition. Shota Narukuri (right in the photo), a member of the Greenhouse Section of the Botanical Gardens' Technical Department, also served as a lecturer for a workshop for children called "See the Microscopic World of Carnivorous Plants with Botanical Gardens Staff!"
Touch it with your hands, smell it, and experience it with your body
The fourth floor gallery will be hosting a special exhibition called "TRAVELING BOTANICAL GARDEN." The important keywords for the exhibition are "LEARN," "SEE," "PHYSICAL," and "REAL." We visited the Kyoto Prefectural Botanical Gardens, where the staff guided us to the backstage area, and together we brainstormed ideas to create an exhibition that allows visitors to "see, touch, and feel the real thing."
The plants, specimens, and fixtures were brought in from the botanical gardens, and staff members visited the venue once a week to maintain them. During the exhibition, the plants looked vibrant and lively.
Left) A large palm leaf. It was green at first, but gradually changed color. Right) In the center is an African baobab fruit exhibited on the gallery wall.
Dried plants were lined up in the center of the space. You could pick them up, feel their texture and weight, and get excited about the unique shapes created by nature. The large leaves displayed on the wall were palm leaves. It's different from looking up at a tall palm tree; when you see them up close, they're so big! The leaves were lush at first, but over the course of the exhibition, they gradually changed color and shape, and aging was also a highlight.
Scent is also a key to getting to know plants. We set up a corner where visitors could experience the scent of vanilla, which is grown in a greenhouse, in a transparent box. We borrowed a device that is actually used in botanical gardens, and visitors could open the lids and sniff each one, enjoying it with all five senses.
Left) Dried plants are on display so that visitors can touch them. Right) A corner where visitors can enjoy the scent of plants. The cylindrical device is also a tool actually used in botanical gardens.
The specimens, such as pressed flowers, were framed and displayed for the exhibition so that people could enjoy looking at them as art. Among them, the one that caught my eye was the "Titan Arum" specimen!
It is said to be the largest flower in the world, and is a rare flower that first bloomed in 2021, 30 years after it began to be cultivated. It blooms once every few years for only about two days, but coincidentally, it bloomed at the botanical garden on August 2nd, during the traveling botanical gardens! So many people came to see it that there was a line before the opening. By the way, when titan arum blooms, it gives off a strong smell like fermented dairy products. This attracts insects and carries pollen, and it survives during its short flowering period.
Right) Pressed flowers of Titan Arum in bloom at the botanical garden. A valuable specimen that lets you get a feel for its size. Apparently it was a difficult task to press due to its strong smell. Left) A corner where you can experience the scent and a specimen display are located along the wall.
African baobabs bloom in the city
In the atrium courtyard on the same floor as the gallery, there is a special exhibition of African baobab trees cultivated in a greenhouse. Depicted in "The Little Prince" by Saint-Exupéry, the tree is said to be inhabited by spirits in Africa.
The African baobab tree arrived in the atrium courtyard. We watched as the buds swelled.
When it was delivered, it had buds, but the change in environment made us worried, but it blossomed into a beautiful large white flower. It only took one day for it to bloom and fall. It is also said to be a mysterious flower. Customers who happened to see it were delighted. The staff, who had been waiting anxiously, also cheered with joy. This is a precious plant that is normally not shown outside the gardens. It was also the first time it had bloomed outside the gardens. It was a rare opportunity to see an African baobab up close.
African baobabs bloom in August. You can watch them bloom and fall from up close, and enjoy their sweet scent, like ripe fruit.
Observing carnivorous plants with children
Furthermore, during the event, a Shop was held to help children become familiar with plants. "See the Microscopic World of Carnivorous Plants with Botanical Garden Staff!" was held over two days with 20 children per session, and was taught by botanical garden staff. Feel like you're the insect being preyed upon while observing carnivorous plants through a microscope! A rare experience peeking into carnivorous plants! The children were full of curiosity and participated with shining eyes. Parents were also able to observe through the glass, and everyone enjoyed the exciting experience.
Bringing the healing power of nature into your daily life
At the Shop by the botanical fragrance brand "Byaku," participants made their own sachets with their favorite scents. They combined a sandalwood-based room spray with dried herbs and fruits such as orange, rose, and eucalyptus to create beautiful, fragrant sachets. They can be placed next to the bed, in the living room, or hidden in the closet, and will accompany you every day.
The venue was visited by a wide range of generations, from the elderly to families with children, including many who regularly visit the botanical gardens. Kyoto Prefectural Botanical Gardens 100th Anniversary Goods were also very popular. We will continue to create opportunities for people to come into contact with plants while in the city and learn more about them.
Kyoto Botanical Gardens
Shimogamo Hangicho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City