Sakura: The Cherry Trees are Blooming

It's Cherry Blossom Season in the Pacific Northwest

Take a deep breath, sink into the cherry blossoms, and relaaaxxxxx

Cherry blossoms (sakura) abound in the Portland, Oregon area, as well as much of the Pacific Northwest. I was lucky enough to relocate here from Texas in early March, just in time to catch the initial emergence of spring blooms.

I've been keeping watch on the cherry trees around town trying to time the perfect moment to head over to the Portland Japanese Garden to catch the cherry trees in bloom. The garden does a pretty good job of posting cherry blossom reports on their social feeds, and a "cherry tracker" on their website, so you can also get updates on the best time to visit. We ended up with the most gloriously beautiful spring day this past Saturday to hit the garden, and it did not disappoint. Blue skies, sunshine and cherry tree exploding with blooms...they look like fluffy cotton candy!

The Zen Sand and Stone Garden, also referred to as karesansui gardens (or dry landscape) is a beloved feature in the Japanese Garden. There is one stunning specimen of highly tended cherry tree, which I believe is a Higan or weeping Fuji cherry (Prunus itosakura x P. incisa), or Shidarezakura, that is the star of the show in early spring. Now, This specimen is about 100 years old and is definitely a prize occupant of the garden. I feel privileged to have witnessed it's emergence this year. Truly lovely.

Yoshino cherries (Prunus x yedoensis) punctuate the rest of the garden with their dark branches and fluffy light pink blooms. When you look up at the sky in the garden it's like there are big billowy pink clouds of flowers everywhere.

There are also a number of beautiful Camellia specimens in bloom in the garden, as well as many striking specimens of Japanese maples that will soon be leafing out. I'll definitely be making a trip back over to take in the fresh young leaves. It was a soothing and peaceful visit (even though there were a lot of other visitors that day) and it was so enjoyable to breath the fresh air and all take in the visual beauty of nature.

If you need to find a little peace right now, get outside and visit some nature!