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April 7, 2009
Cherry Blossoms in Brooklyn
Luke Constantino | April 7th 2009
Ahhh... It's springtime. You know what that means. It's cherry blossom season! I love passing by a cherry tree in full blossom. This is a very rare thing in Brooklyn unless you go to The Brooklyn Botanical Garden.
It you look close enough you'll find alot of beautiful things here in Brooklyn...
It's not just concrete and steel.
So take a trip and enjoy this while it still lasts.
Comments
Here's the bloom map...
http://www.bbg.org/exp/cherries/map.html
Philly trees are not yet in bloom and NYC is usually a week or two behind Philly.
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at April 7, 2009 9:11 AM
I was gonna say, that picture ain't Brooklyn. Mine is just starting to bud...
Posted by: slopenick at April 7, 2009 11:19 AM
You almost gave me a heart attack! I got a BBG membership for my birthday (go step-mother-in-law!) and took a few winter strolls through the garden but am really looking forward to the cherry blossoms.
Definitely planning a trip for this weekend.
Posted by: serpentor at April 7, 2009 11:24 AM
Whether that photo's Brooklyn or not, it's a scene that's common in Brooklyn, and hardly rare, not just in the BBG, and not just for a few passing moments. There are early-flowering cherries throughout Brooklyn in full bloom right now. The streets and backyards of Brooklyn are filled with blooms and greenery throughout the year. Crocuses, snowdrops, witch hazel, etc., have been in bloom for weeks already in tiny tree pits, containers and front yards. I appreciate all calls to visit the BBG,
but Luke!?: "one has to look closely enough to find alot of beautiful things here in Brooklyn...It's not just concrete and steel."?!@*!? Hanami began at the BBG this past weekend though you'll find way more magnolia in bloom right now than cherry. Sakura Matsuri on May 2-3 is the BBG's cherry blossom celebration: http://www.bbg.org/exp/cherries/ For a year-round bloom-watch, see: http://www.bbg.org/exp/bloom/april.html
Posted by: vinca at April 7, 2009 1:21 PM
When do you think will be a good time to visit the BBG when the blossums are in full bloom? I would love to take the Mrs. and maybe grandma since she is getting up in the years.
Posted by: Adam Dahill at April 7, 2009 2:46 PM
My personal opinion (which I'm somewhat loathe to give away) is that when it comes to cherry blossoms, the best time to visit the BBG is during the week just days before the actual Sakura Matsuri festival. The BBG will be relatively uncrowded (compared to the weekend), the lawns not yet trampled. Otherwise, visit in the few days just after. Anytime in springtime is great if your aim is to reinvigorate yourself with plants newly in bloom (see the bloom link already posted). Anytime, any month, at all is great if your aim is enjoyment and beauty.
Posted by: vinca at April 7, 2009 5:00 PM
I can't wait. I agree that the best time would be after the Sakura Matsuri. The Japanese have great Ohanami parties. The idea is to get a blanket with your best friend(s), tons of sake, drink, drink a lot, then lie on the grass and just look up. Howling songs also adds to the atmosphere. But then they don't seem to mind crowds. I would prefer to be away from the crowds too.
But for me right now, I am really excited because things are just starting to come to life. I looked out on Sunday to a gigantic Norway maple in my backyard, huge and grey with grey stick branches. It poured all day on Monday and on Tuesday morning before I went to work, the tips of the branches were little green balls of leaves. It happened in one day. The hosta are sticking their tips out, the daffodils are up, tiger lillies and daisies are sprouting leaves. The hydrangea are getting leaves too. Wow. I am looking forward to the cherry trees.
Posted by: donatella at April 8, 2009 1:16 PM
Not sure you would want to bring Grandma here,(might get the wrong idea) but Green Wood Cemetery has FANTASTIC cherry trees, even better than BBG I might add. Worth the trip. You will be surrounded by lots of people but most of them are below ground.
Posted by: IMBY at April 9, 2009 8:50 AM
Test comment
Posted by: Luke Constantino at January 29, 2010 2:20 PM
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