Spring arrived at East Gosford’s beautiful Edogawa Japanese Gardens, and on the 12th September 2026 our White Pebbles group, Beverley George (Convenor), Pip Griffin, Maire Glacken, Marilyn Humbert, Colleen Keating had the pleasure of experiencing it firsthand. (Apologies from Michael Thorley, Kent Robinson, Gwen Bitti and Samantha Sirimanne Hyde).
Read more: White Pebbles Haiku Group –Spring 2026
After a catch-up over a morning coffee we set out quietly, each with pen and paper to contemplate the essence of spring through the lens of kigo finding inspiration in the lazy swirl of the koi fish in symbiosis with the ducks, the raked white pebble garden, the tranquil pavilion, bridge and winding paths and the cascading sound of water. Here the azaleas were in full bloom, in reds and whites and marvellous variegated pinks. Sitting under the wisteria pergola is a special spring experience for me aware of its change from season to season.
After our time enjoying this sanctuary we gathered back at our meeting space to share. Firstly we expressed our congratulations, pride and happiness to Beverley on the wonderful news that the NSW Society of Women Writers had nominated her for the National Alice Award. We presented her with a card wishing her best wishes in the National gathering of SWWs in Tasmania later this month. Next, Marilyn had prepared what she called a mini workshop titled ‘What, Where, When’, (adapted from Lev Hart Triveni blog, Jan 2023).
It was invaluable to read our already written haiku through the filter of this framework and we appreciated the new insight and the suggestion to try the template to help our future haiku writing. Marilyn also led us in an observation of the judges’ choices and comments on the British Haiku Society Awards 2025. A very interesting activity.
Our White Pebbles meeting concluded at 12.30 pm with the option to enjoy lunch at the gallery cafe.
We look forward to our next meeting 12th December to celebrate summer.
Colleen Keating
White Pebbles Haiku Group, 12 September 2026
