I knew that nature was being gloriously transformed and the miracle that is Spring was upon us again as my eyes were gladdened by the sight of the most spectacular of flowering trees, the cherries coming into bloom.

Their contribution to the floral pageantry of Spring is unquestionable. They are beautifully shaped, graceful with lovely foliage, handsome bark and magnificent colour. They deserve their world-wide popularity.

After the last war thousands of them were planted in England and indeed if you visit the White House in Spring there you will find glorious cherries in bloom.

Our older residents may recall the avenue of these lovely trees planted in Ringsend Park in the late forties, now sadly all gone.

In Japan this is the most popular street tree. There it flowers in early April and is called the Yoshino of Toyko (Prunus Vedoensis). Fifty thousand of this widespread specimen are planted with its lovely delicate pink flowers, arching branches and dark green leaves.

A large family of small trees, there is one for every location: small garden, street trees, parks and open spaces. Most of the varieties we are familiar with come from Japan or China. The biggest influence on the introduction and elevation of flowering cherries during the past sixty years has been Captain Collingwood Ingram.

Some horticulturists complain that cherry blossom is transient but surely that applies to everything? What other family of trees can boast of a variety that flowers from November right through to April, as does the flowering cherry autumnals.

This tree recorded in Japanese legend dates back to AD 408 and in 1594 cherry viewing parties were hosted by the Japanese Emperor. It did not arrive in England until 1900. It is possible that many cherry trees will be lost to cultivation and I would hope that public parks and horticultural institutions would plant collections of as many varieties as possible.

A park planted as suggested would become a pilgrimage at blossoming time. In Japan they appreciate cherry blossom so much they have public holidays so people can view the lovely trees at their leisure.
If you want to plant one in your garden the Lombardy Cherry Prunus Amanogawa is ideal. A very slim outline, it grows bolt upright with its double pale pink flowers. It is an ideal focal point no matter how small the garden.