Rain, Wind, and the Great Corn Rescue

—A stormy morning in a Japanese vegetable garden

Early this morning, I had a strange dream—rain kept hitting my face no matter how I tried to dodge it. It felt like someone was misting me with a spray bottle.
When I woke up, I realized it wasn’t a dream at all. Real rain was splashing directly onto my face through the screen window.

I rushed to close the window.

It was the first rain in a long while.

But the wind was fierce, the rain was heavy, and even thunder was rumbling.
After waiting so long for rain, why did it have to come like this—so extreme?

Around 9 a.m., the rain stopped, so I went out to check on the garden.

Plants had collapsed across the path.
I had a bad feeling.

And I was right. The corn had fallen over. 😿

Thankfully, ours were only knocked down, so I could stand them back up. But in some nearby plots, several stalks had snapped clean at the base.

The peanuts were showing signs of root lift again—their roots loosened and lifted from the soil, as if the wind had tried to pull them free.

In Japanese gardens, this “root lift” often happens to shallow-rooted crops like peanuts after strong winds or heavy rain. It weakens their grip on the soil and can affect growth.

Some of the tomatoes had tilted, leaning over with their stakes.

The pumpkin flowers were in tatters.

What on earth happened out here?

I had no idea the storm had been this wild.
Since it had finally rained, I thought I wouldn’t need to water today. I even imagined taking photos of sparkling droplets on leaves.
So I wore a long dress to the garden, thinking it would be a peaceful morning.

I should’ve dressed more like a Komeri or Workman warrior.

Komeri and Workman are popular Japanese home improvement and workwear stores, known for their practical gardening and outdoor gear.

If someone saw me in a long dress trying to prop up fallen stakes, they’d probably think I’d lost my mind.

Sure enough, the older gentleman from across the way came by.
I blurted out, “I didn’t expect this mess—I just came out in my everyday clothes,” even though he hadn’t asked.

For now, I gave the corn some emergency support—stakes and soft wire to hold them upright.

And you know, if those toppled corn stalks can rise again and bear fruit as if nothing happened, then surely people can, too.
If corn has that kind of resilience, I believe humans must have it as well.

Still, after days of sun, the rain finally comes—and it’s this intense!

Ideally, I wish it would gently fall around 5–6 a.m., and again around 5–6 p.m. That would be perfect.

Rain is forecast through the weekend.
Looks like I’ll be spending Saturday and Sunday restoring the garden and battling the weeds that have grown wild.

🌾 Cultural Notes for Readers

• In Japan, many families maintain small home gardens, often growing seasonal vegetables like corn, peanuts, tomatoes, and pumpkins.
• Sudden summer storms, known as “guerrilla rain,” can cause unexpected damage, especially after long dry spells.
• Gardening attire is often practical and rugged—brands like Komeri and Workman are beloved for their durable gear.
• The act of tending a garden is deeply tied to seasonal rhythms and emotional reflection in Japanese culture.