Asagao (Morning Glories) with a Family Story

This year, we are growing asagao (Japanese morning glories) in our backyard. These seeds are special — we collected them last summer from the flowers our son grew at school.

His morning glory plant was full of large, deep-purple blossoms and lush green leaves. Before the summer holidays began, I went to school to bring the pot home. I still remember carefully carrying it, feeling the prickly vines against my hands. During the 40-day summer break, my son watered the plant not every morning and evening as recommended, but only when he felt like it. So I helped with the watering a little. It bloomed beautifully and gave us many flowers to enjoy.

This year, the plants are still small because I planted the seeds a little late. I hope they will grow as strong and vibrant as last year’s and that I can display their blossoms in the tokonoma alcove of our Japanese room to welcome guests!