Blue Hydrangeas at Iwadera

I can appreciate temples with manicured gardens where every fallen leaf is quickly swept away, but in my heart I like half wild gardens best. When I went to see hydrangeas blooming at Iwa Temple on the edge of Yamashina in Kyoto, I was delighted by the lush green growth of trees, grass and wildflowers. Green moss spread under the trees, and hydrangeas splashed the peaceful scene with shades of blue.