Cooperative Living March/April 2014 - 27

Lightly fragrant Yoshino cherries (Prunus
yedoensis), one of the most floriferous
types, predominate along the Tidal Basin
where their reflection adds another
dimension, so that the peak bloom date is
defined as the day 70 percent of those
blossoms are open. That date varies from
year to year, of course, depending on the
weather, but April 4 is considered the
mean. National Park Service horticulturists
have to evaluate conditions and then can
accurately predict the
peak bloom only about
10 days prior to the
grandest spectacle.
Of the 12 varieties of
more than 3,000 trees
originally given by Japan
to our nations capital in
1912, Prunus serrulata
" Kwanzan " is the hardiest
and still enjoys great
popularity. The trees
vase shape and beautiful
bark recommend it, but
it is the exquisite doublepink
blooms, borne
" snowing " on the children, producing shouts
of glee. The Japanese relish all stages of the
bloom and our takeaway lesson is a special
awareness of and treasuring of the ephemeral.
To extend to fleeting time, carry your local
cherry blossom observance into the night by
lighting the tree. Strings of white lights, a
spotlight, or big, globed paper lanterns produce
a glow that will make friends want to
linger and celebrate.
Plant a cherry tree in your home garden,
giving it well-drained soil
and water during dry
periods. Though shortlived
(about a 20- to 40year
life span),Japanese
flowering cherry trees
mature very quickly, a
reward for homeowners.
Most cultivars grow 2025
feet, a manageable
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3:
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Cherry blossoms are as soft and
delicate as spun cotton candy.
profusely along graceful limbs, that create
an upper-story display so dreamy it is
impossible to resist having your head in
those clouds.
The delicate blooms beg to be
photographed to capture their moments
of perfection, yes, but there is no replacement
for just spreading a cloth and lying
underneath them, allowing their mood of
lush softness to transport you, ever-so-gently
into the welcome season of warmth and
rebirth. Plan a picnic for one friend or many
to share your enjoyment. In D.C., the park
program regulations do allow picnics at
Hains Point (East Potomac Park). A permit
for a large picnic or wedding is necessary
between Memorial Day and Labor Day
Even one flowering cherry in your own
neighborhood can lend the canopy to eat,
drink, and enjoy the convivial rites of
spring. Sing, dance or just watch others
enjoying the fairyland quality of the show.
Get tactile -weave a garland of the
delicate blossoms to crown the kids. Even
mature blooms are fun, shattering or
size for the modem
landscape.
Although most types
do not bear fruit, its hard
to find a more graceful habit.
New foliage is usually a
pretty reddish brown or bronze, maturing
to dark green. The spreading cultivar
" Shirofugen " grows to 20 feet and is known
for its fall color. The Higan cherry (P subhirtella)
blooms one to two weeks earlier than
other types; the " Pendula " cultivar of this
variety is a popular weeping form and would
be garden worthy even without blooms. Its
growth rate is so fast that in no time, the tree
will be tall enough for its weeping branches
to form a pink parasol of soft blooms.
The effect of flowering cherry trees en
masse is undeniable; even one tucked into a
comer of the garden can provide an intriguing
focal point all year long. The pendula
form offers a wonderful quality of enclosure.
Limb up the weeping stems, trimming them
evenly to define the circular, sheltered resting
place and invite walking within, or let them
grow long to seclude spring revelers in their
own private bower of momentary bliss . *
© Paula Brown lives in Richmond, Va., where
she is a teacher and writer Questions, comments?
Email her atpbimaginethat@gmail.com.
Cooperative Living March/April 2014

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