In Japan, Hanami is name of the practice of waiting for the cherry blossoms. In D.C. It’s called the Blossom Watch – Wherever you are, chances are there are cherry blossoms getting ready to bloom near you.
I have loved cherry trees my whole life. I grew up with one in our back garden in Manhattan. It actually belonged to our neighbors to the East, but it loomed over the fence and showered our space with confetti every Spring. Birds were drawn to it and chattered merrily when it was in bloom. Our own Secret Garden :).
We use to take the train down to Washington to see the cherry tree show on the mall -It is a wonder and Still one of my favorite childhood memories.
Americans started importing cherry trees in the 1800s – I have been planting Cherry Trees on properties that I owned over the years – with mixed success and look for them wherever I go.
Now you can find Cherry Bloom Watches all over the country – You can follow them on Twitter and Instagram – Here are a few links.
If you are lucky enough to to have a cherry tree, it’s fun to cut a branch to bring in and force – If you are so inclined – you can make a wishing tree out of one- See the how to link below.
Farmer’s Almanac advice on how to force blossoms
