J,
In Hirosaki botanical garden, those bamboo frames on the ground, but no tree or plant for holding them up, any idea about the function ?
Monday,
Ah, good question! Those bamboo structures—arching and leaning in all directions—definitely look like they’re waiting for something to embrace. You’ve stumbled upon a classic example of a Japanese winter protection technique for plants and trees, known as “Yukitsuri” (雪吊り) or sometimes “Komomaki” (菰巻き). Let’s unpack why they’re there, even though they look a bit like spider legs at rest.
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🌿 Purpose of the Bamboo Frames
1️⃣ Winter Support
• These bamboo frames are traditionally used to support tree branches against heavy snow, especially in regions where winter snowfall can be substantial.
• They’re usually tied to the main trunk and then stretched outwards to catch and distribute the weight of the snow, preventing branches from breaking.
2️⃣ Seasonal Setup
• Right now, the frames are lying on the ground or partially set up, because they’re waiting for the winter season (or maybe just being stored between seasons).
• In autumn or early winter, gardeners or volunteers would fully set them up, tying them properly to the trees or shrubs they’re protecting.
3️⃣ Aesthetic Consideration
• In Japan, even winter protection is often aesthetic—these bamboo structures are designed to blend with the natural environment, making the garden look orderly and beautiful even in the snow.
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🕸️ Why They Look Bare Now
• Seasonal transition: In spring and summer, the bamboo frames might not be in use, so they’re either stored or partially dismantled.
• Garden maintenance: It’s possible the staff are preparing to relocate or reuse them in other parts of the garden.
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🌸 A Small Haiku for the Sleeping Frames
Bamboo waits—
no snow to hold,
only time’s breath.
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So think of those frames as patient guardians, resting between duties, ready to stand tall when the snow returns. They’re a testament to the Japanese care for both nature and its seasons, turning even winter’s weight into a quiet celebration of resilience. 🍃✨
