Series finished in 10 volumes in Japan, Ammitsu's Secret Garden returns to the front of the stage. Published by Kana editions, this atypical shojo in the world of flowers, manages to surprise more than once. The choice of the main couple has a lot to do with it, as well as the quality of the pencil stroke and the welcome bonuses from the mangaka. The eighth opus has just been released here, it's time to update.
The orchid and the florist
Ran (which translates to "orchid" in English) Takamine is the flower of Seiran High School. Gifted in sport, perfect grades in all subjects, a magnificent physique. She has everything going for her and yet relationships with others are a complete mystery. Ran has trouble understanding others, getting along with them. This unfortunately passes for contempt on his part that discourages possible friends, even boyfriends. Yet this girl is adorable, awkward, sincere and surprisingly naïve, especially vis-à-vis the love side. 
In contrast to all this, Akira Saeki, is a teenager full of life who gets along perfectly with his classmates. Appreciated by all, he still hides a secret, a little shame: he is the son of a florist. After burning his wings when he was younger by being told that this love for flowers was too feminine, he came to walk away from them and hide it from his friends. However, a tragic event will push him to think about his future and his connection with the family shop. The passion for horticulture will gradually bring them closer together and allow them to flourish. Ran becomes much more approachable while Akira gives his all in his florist shop helping his parents. They have much more in common than they thought at first and a beautiful romance will eventually blossom.
The dictionary of flowers
We feel Ammitsu's passion for flowers in the detail brought in his boards, but not only! We also find this in the various bonuses between chapters or at the end of volumes either in the form of small drawings or in the form of a comic strip in 4 bubbles. Each chapter title (except a few in the sixth volume) has a link with a specific flower whose meaning is explained. An Akira chibi describes the secrets of plants, in addition to giving small anecdotes. These kinds of little surprises are not so common in shojo. It's fun and a real plus that makes you want to learn more about the world of horticulture. 
This is also the case of the daily life of different characters evolving in this poetic and flowery world. We follow Akira's life in his shop, including the difficulties of learning how to make bouquets or buy stock at a plant market. One recently arrived character is the son of a horticulturist, not enjoying his life spent in the fields at all. He grew up among the plants that his parents pamper all day long and experienced bullying from his classmates. We discover a very physical profession, mainly in the great outdoors, which requires a huge love for plants in order to flourish there. Like a bouquet of roses, classic but pleasant Secret Garden remains in the background a shojo rather classic in the use of the codes of the genre. Some typical events like school trips or the annual sports tournament are used. But fortunately Ammitsu manages to add his personal touch, with both humor and sweetness. The mangaka focuses on romance that takes its time, here it is the first time for the couple. The importance is put on the fact that each meeting is valuable, with a specific purpose and will always have an impact on each of them. Another point seen and reviewed in this style of love story are the famous love triangles. Rivals appear from time to time in order to learn new facets of their personality. Jealousy and possessiveness mainly but also lack of self-confidence arise. Unfortunately, the model of rivals chosen by Ammitsu are too similar to the protagonists. Megumu is a more taciturn and outspoken clone of Akira, though childish in his reactions. As for Nanami, she is a kind of Ran more open with others, hiding her difficulties behind her smiles. 
Despite all this, Secret Garden remains a very pleasant shojo to read and follow. If only for the special bond between the different characters. Friendship is essential for both Ran and Akira. And let's not forget the families who are a real beacon for the couple. Whether it's the fusion family of Takamine or the freer Saeki clan who lives complicated moments. With this garden more secret than that, Ammitsu was finally able to be part of the flower of shojo. We can only throw flowers at the adventures of Ran and Akira. Touching, adorable and fun, you can only join them and maybe discover a love for flowers too!
