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If you are longing for warmth, the sea and a spring awakening after the dark and cold winter months here, then the time is ripe for the Côte d'Azur. After the mild winters, in spring on the Côte d'Azur nature comes to life along the coast and a variety of flowers begin to bloom to fill the landscape with color and fragrance.

One of the most notable blooms is the mimosa, which adorns the hills and valleys of the region with bright yellow flowers in February and March. Their sweet fragrance and radiant color transform the landscape into a true paradise.

The Year of the Dragon, known as tatsu-doshi in Japan, is an outstanding event in the Chinese zodiac that is also significant in Japanese culture. According to the Chinese zodiac, the Year of the Dragon repeats every twelve years. For example, the last Years of the Dragon were 2012, 2000, 1988, etc., and now the Year of the Dragon begins again on February 10, 2024. Each year, one of the four elements is assigned to the sign of the zodiac, which influences fate in a decisive way. This year it is the element wood.

The hatsu-ike 初生け, the first arrangement of the year, which is made up of the characters hatsu 初 (the first) and 生け (Ike) from the term ikebana, stands for the first ikebana of the year. It is not just a ritual, but also celebrates new beginnings and the art of living in harmony with nature. In the spirit of hatsu-ike, kadokas create special arrangements to mark the transition into the new year. This practice is a symbolic gesture for renewal and reflects the hopes and aspirations for the coming year.

An eventful Ikebana year has come to an end and new ikebana events are already casting their shadows ahead. In Japan, New Year's Day - known as Oshōgatsu - is always a special day, as it is the most important festival in the Japanese calendar. While the 'Ode to Joy' (Japanese: 'Fu-Ro-I-De') is traditionally performed by orchestras in Japan at the end of the year, the first sunrise on New Year's Day has a special significance.

Christmas is in the air. It smells of pine trees, biscuits and mulled wine. Christmas trees are everywhere, beautifully decorated with candles or fairy lights, stars and baubles. December has even brought us snow this year. Just yesterday, thick white snowflakes fell from the sky. It's a contemplative time of year when, after the hustle and bustle and Christmas preparations, there are still some quiet days left. You can make yourself cosy, enjoy the candlelight and the winter idyll. Nature also comes to rest.