I like to take walks behind my house in the cul-de-sac.

This time of year the flowering cherry trees in that area are in full splendor.

Approximately 40 years ago when that tract of homes was built, the builder included a flowering cherry tree near the sidewalk of each home.

The home owners have enjoyed this spring tree flower show ever since.

All the photographs in today’s blog were taken of the cherry trees in that circular area.

Bent Flowering Cherry Tree

Although flowering cherry trees need minimal care, the trees planted closer to the homes did better than the ones in the turn around circle.

The photograph on the left shows a rather bent tree trunk in the turn around circle.

Facts About Flowering Cherry Trees

Most flowering cherry trees have showy pink flowers in the spring.  The blooms start out a dark pink color and eventually turn pale pink before falling off the branches.

The blooms are short lived usually only lasting for a week or two.

Flowering cherry trees are bred for their gorgeous flowers and not for edible fruit.

The trees like full sun and well drained soil.

Branches of Flowering Cherry Trees

Washington, DC hosts a very famous Cherry Blossom Festival when their trees are in bloom.

Back in 1912, the Mayor of Tokyo gifted 3,000 Yoshino cherry trees to Washington, DC as a symbol of friendship.  These cherry trees were planted on the bank of the Potomac River Tidal Basin.

The cherry blossom (sakura) is seen in a lot of art work from Japan.  The cherry blossom is probably the unofficial national flower of Japan.

 

Flowering Cherry Tree Close Up of a Flowering Cherry Tree Blossom Flowering Cherry Tree with Pink Blossoms

Closing Thoughts

As the faded pink petals fall to the sidewalk, there is always next year.

The flowering cherry tree means many things in Japan.  The tree flowers represents a fleeting life, death and renewal.

I think after our COVID experience, we will all think about how short a life can.  We will keep in our hearts a spirit of survival and ultimate renewal.

Fallen Cherry Blossom Petals on Sidewalk

Respect life and enjoy the flowering cherry tree.