Kyoto Botanical Gardens '100 Years of Future Blooms' Award Announcement | Challenge #166

'100 Years of Future Blooms' is a global photo contest open to all creators, held to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Kyoto Botanical Gardens, supported by cizucu. The cizucu photo contest curates outstanding works from submissions, aiming to discover new talents and support the community as a platform.

To commemorate the 100th anniversary of its opening, two special photo contests are being held. The theme for the second contest is 'Memories of the Botanical Garden'. Many special moments and beautiful landscapes captured at the Kyoto Botanical Gardens have been gathered through your cameras.

Now, let's introduce the award-winning works.

masakun
'Heading'

📷 NIKON D700

cizucu Editorial Team
A serene image where the dignified beauty of lotus flowers and lush green leaves harmonize in a tranquil atmosphere. The painter's calm back and gaze tell a story of a creative moment in the botanical garden, beautifully reflecting the healing and inspiration nature provides. This work captures the special moments nurtured by the 100-year history of the Kyoto Botanical Gardens, making it a fitting piece for the commemorative theme.

techi☺︎
The Kyoto Botanical Gardens, welcoming even beginner birdwatchers
Always playing with the heron

📷 SONY ILCE-7M3

cizucu Editorial Team
The reflection of a white heron on the still water creates a beautiful symmetry and a mystical atmosphere. The posture and detailed depiction of the feathers capture the tranquility of nature and the tension of life. This piece symbolizes the serenity and harmony of the botanical garden, offering deep emotions to the viewer.

アーニャ
Overwhelmed by the beauty of the fresh green of the weeping Sophora japonica, feeling the power of nature

📷 SONY ILCE-7C

cizucu Editorial Team
Among the lush greenery, the intricately intertwined branches convey the strength of life. The play of sunlight adds a vivid accent to the work, capturing the beauty and mystery of nature. This composition symbolizes the healing and inspiration provided by the botanical garden, capturing a hopeful moment that hints at the next 100 years.

無記名
What kind of cherry tree will it be next year?

cizucu Editorial Team
The dreamy hues of pale purple and blue evoke the arrival of spring. The contrast between the delicate branch tips and the blurred petals creates a soft atmosphere, capturing the transient beauty of nature. This work quietly conveys the charm of the botanical garden's seasons, soothing the viewer's heart.

一石凛

cizucu Editorial Team
Flowers blooming as if embracing the trunk reflect the quiet harmony of nature. The delicate transparency of the petals in the sunlight and the blurred background add a gentle warmth. This piece beautifully expresses the diverse ecosystem and intricate beauty of the botanical garden, leaving a lasting impression of nature's mystery on the viewer's heart.

amethyst

cizucu Editorial Team
The delicate wing patterns of the Asagimadara butterfly and the soft colors of the Eupatorium flowers create a harmonious composition. The soft bokeh in the background highlights the butterfly, capturing the tranquility and preciousness of life in nature. This work beautifully captures the rich ecosystem and seasonal colors nurtured by the botanical garden, reflecting a moment that resonates with the heart.

yuko.
Kusunoki Avenue

The avenue of Kusunoki trees is synonymous with the botanical garden, offering a sense of security as if being embraced. It's a path I'd like to walk with someone special.

cizucu Editorial Team
The arch of Kusunoki Avenue evokes the grandeur and tranquility created by nature. The path through the green tunnel symbolizes hope for the future. Its embracing gentleness reminds one of peaceful times with loved ones, conveying the healing and inspiration unique to the botanical garden.

nanairo
Spider under the full moon

cizucu Editorial Team
The silhouette of a spider against the full moon creates a mystical yet somewhat mysterious atmosphere. The contrast of light and shadow tightens the overall composition, beautifully expressing the strength and delicacy of nature. This impressive work conveys the story of life breathing in the night.

koharu
The lotus pond after the flowers have faded (taken near the hydrangea garden). The lotus leaves seem to play the role of highlighting the dragonfly... Is early autumn approaching?

cizucu Editorial Team
The red dragonfly stands out against the green of the lotus pond, evoking the arrival of early autumn. The delicate depiction of the wings and the posture on the branch beautifully express the tranquility and vitality of nature. The blurred background highlights the subject, vividly conveying the charm of nature coexisting with the changing seasons of the botanical garden.

How was it?
The second photo contest held to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Kyoto Botanical Gardens saw many participants beautifully express special moments and landscapes with the theme 'Memories of the Botanical Garden'. Each submitted work conveyed the healing and inspiration the botanical garden provides to people, reflecting on 100 years of history while instilling hope for the next 100 years, making it a wonderful contest.

Some of the award-winning works will be specially exhibited at the Kyoto Botanical Gardens from December 21 to 25, 2024. Additionally, we will send out secondary prizes, including limited edition goods commemorating the 100th anniversary.

We hope the botanical garden will continue to be a special place for many people, and we look forward to seeing your wonderful works in the next photo contest.