‘Beautiful but fleeting’ cherry trees blooming

By Terry Lendecker

One of nature’s most beautiful presentations of color is starting to unfold now at the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden. A wave of delicate pink and white cherry blossoms on the Arboretum’s 150 cherry blossom trees are starting to unfold, announcing their annual arrival and ushering in springtime. The flowering cherry trees are expected to be in full bloom within the next week. Many of the cherry trees were given as gifts to the Dallas Arboretum, including trees from Peggy B. Braecklein in honor of her parents, John R. and Thelma N. Black. The blossoming takes place during Dallas Blooms festival with the theme, “A World of Flowers.” A large world map created from more than 2,000 vibrant pansies and three flower houses adorned with hundreds of petunias make a beautiful backdrop in The International Crossroads Village, located in the Pecan Grove, perfect for taking photos.

In Japan, cherry blossom time is known as Hanami, with parties held both night and day under the Sakura (cherry blossom trees) to celebrate this yearly occurrence and the delicate beauty of life. Hanami dates back to the Heian Period (794-1185) when the Imperial Court in Kyoto held flower-viewing parties beneath the blossoming cherry trees. The flowers were praised by poets as a metaphor for life, “beautiful yet fleeting.”

Today, branches on many cherry trees at the Arboretum are overflowing with thousands of lacy blooms, and each tree only blooms once a year.

Throughout the world, cherry blossom time runs from late March to early May, depending on the climate and local weather conditions.

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