Winter showers bring spring flowers.
Well, it is finally time to celebrate the blooming season of the cherry blossoms. The cherry blossom season is nature’s way of telling us that spring has finally begun. The days get longer, the air gets warmer, and the trees get pinker.
Cherry blossoms, known as Sakura, or the flower of trees, are more than just pink beauty. They came to the United States of America as a gift from Japan in the early 1900s as a token of friendship. Cherry blossoms symbolize love, beauty, and rebirth, and hope. They also serve as a metaphor for the impermanence of life and beauty, which can encourage us to cherish every beautiful moment in life.
While many people associate cherry blossoms with Japan, the unofficial capital of cherry blossoms is actually Macon, Georgia. Macon has a cherry blossom legacy of over 300,000 Yoshino trees, and is home to the annual International Cherry Blossom Festival.
Aside from Macon, Georgia, Washington D.C. is known for its iconic cherry blossoms. They line the Tidal Basin, the man-made reservoir located near the national mall, and many famous monuments including the Jefferson Memorial, Franklin Del Roosevelt Memorial, and Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial. The capital also hosts another beautiful event that celebrates the cherry blossom, called the National Cherry Blossom Festival.
For those who can’t jet set to Macon, Georgia or Washington D.C., there are endless places in New York City to pay homage to this beautiful flower.
Central Park
Believe it or not, cherry blossoms bloom in Central Park during the months of April and May, specifically throughout 72nd street to 96th street. Using the Central Park Conservancy’s cherry blossom tracker, you can admire cherry blossoms within the Reservoir, Cherry Hill, Pilgrim Hill, Great Lawn, and Cedar Hill.
Brooklyn Botanic Garden
Venture to the southern borough, and walk along the Cherry Esplanade. The Brooklyn Botanic Garden hosts events to celebrate the cherry blossoms, such as Hanami Nights, where you can appreciate the beautiful trees lit up, enjoy live music, Japanese cuisine, and origami making.
Roosevelt Island
Make your way to Roosevelt Island, where you can escape the chaos of the city, and see both cherry blossom trees along the waterfront and the iconic New York City skyline. It’s truly a sight to see.
Other Notable Parks
Sakura Park ~ located in the Morningside Heights area.
Flushing Meadows Corona Park ~ located in Queens.
Silver Lake Park ~ located in Staten Island.
Randall’s Island ~ located near the East River.
Riverside Park ~ located in the Upper West Side.
Despite its infamous reputation as a “concrete jungle,” there are so many pockets of nature and parks in New York City that are home to all different types of cherry blossom trees. From the Okame cherry trees, to the Yoshino cherry trees, to the Kwazan cherry trees, you can enjoy this beauty from anywhere in the city.
As spring approaches, it’s time to remember the legacy behind the cherry blossoms. Make time to create precious moments with yourself, your friends, and with nature.
Like Cie La Vie, Cie La Cherry Blossoms.
