IN THE GARDEN
THE WINTRY WAIT IS OVER The Prunus x yedoensis (pictured) is a stunning spring spectacle at Cambridge University Botanic Garden
T he sight of spring blossom is a heartwarming moment in the horticultural year, and heralds lengthening, warmer days. Such is the impact of this spectacle that it’s hard not to be moved by the clouds of delicate blooms that brighten our gardens, streets and hedgerows. The term blossom is usually associated with spring-flowering members of the rose family, such as cherries and apples. For me, though, it is much more wide-ranging and encompasses a host of spring-flowering trees and shrubs that bloom from March through to May.
Among these are the magnolias whose flowers punctuate early spring days, swiftly followed by cherries ( Prunus ), apples and crab apples ( Malus ), hawthorn ( Crataegus ) and viburnums, such as the wayfaring tree ( Viburnum lantana ) and guelder rose ( Viburnum opulus ). And while they may be diverse in form and detail, in succession they present a delectable palette of sumptuous blooms. The tradition of hanami In Japan, cherry blossom season has its own celebration – sakura – which varies according to both location and flowering
DID YOU KNOW? So enchanted by the arrival of spring is poet laureate Simon Armitage, that it inspired an entire collection of his writings. Fans of blossom will find their emotions perfectly encapsulated in the 21 poems of Blossomise , published by Faber & Faber.
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