Living in the UK: The Season of Blossoms
When talking about spring, you might think of hanami (“blossom viewing") in Japan. However, have you thought about going to a hanami in the UK?
The cherry blossom tree is well-loved by many Brits. You can spot them in public and private gardens across the UK. In some places, what you will encounter may not be a few cherry blossom trees, but an overwhelming sea of blossoms - a literal sakura fubuki ("storm of cherry blossom petals")! But why are there so many cherry blossom trees in the UK? Well, let’s start with a few interesting facts about cherry blossoms in Britain:
1. The British botanist who saved Japanese cherry blossoms
It might come as a bit of a surprise, but one of the most famous authorities on Japanese cherry blossoms was a Brit! Collingwood "Cherry" Ingram (1880-1981) dedicated to collecting, studying, and introducing different Japanese cherry blossom species as well as his own cherry cultivars to the UK. He was also well-known in Japan for rediscovering in a Sussex garden a white cherry blossom that was thought to be extinct in Japan, and re-introduced it, along with over 50 other weaker varieties that he reinvigorated through new grafting techniques in his garden in Benenden, Kent, to their native Japan.
2. Blossom Watch: The UK’s Hanami
Of course, Ingram alone could not have planted all these cherry blossoms throughout the UK. These impressive cherry blossoms, including the National Collection of Flowering Cherries at Keele University in Staffordshire that has over 240 varieties of flowering cherries, are the collective achievements of many cherry-loving individuals and organisations like the Japan-British Society and the National Trust. They send trees to parks and schools, and plant trees in green spaces. The National Trust also organises Blossom Watch, a blossom viewing festival inspired by hanami, to encourage people to enjoy nature and celebrate new beginnings in the springtime.
So, which are the best spots for Blossom Watch this spring? Here you can find the list of best blossom viewing parks and gardens in England, Northern Ireland, and Wales recommended by the National Trust. The National Trust also offers a guide on blossom trees and wildflowers - and not just cherry blossoms - which will bloom this April and May! Find the best spot today and invite your friends and neighbours to a Blossom Watch, and welcome the warm spring together!
Seasonal Health Tips:
Blossoms are a delight, but for those suffering from hay fever, they can cause much misery! If you are allergic to pollen, you can regularly check the Met Office’s pollen forecast to prepare yourself for the season. You can also download the Met Office app (iOS / Android) and switch on the regional pollen alert notification through in the “Setting” section of the app. Then you can schedule your outings to avoid the pollen as best as you can!
