Cherry blossoms in Japan- Camelias in Maleny

I was reading over the weekend that the Cherry Blossom wave has started in Japan. The cherry blossom phenomenom unfolds from Kagoshima in the south and gradually moves through to Hokkaido in the north.

However this natural cherry blossom exhibition is being matched by the Camelia blooms on the mountains of Maleny at this very moment.

We planted about 40-50 Camelia bushes two years ago on the terraces below our house. The warmer weather after the recent rain has resulted in a rush of blooms.

In the photo below you might be able to make out another connection with Japan - our temple peace bell can be seen in the background through the Camelia bush.