Cherry Blossom Facts
Excitement builds in Washington, DC around the end of March, knowing that the time for cherry blossom facts, events and entertainment are going to begin as the National Cherry Blossom Festival rolls around again.
A yearly celebration that commemorates the gift of 3,000 Japanese flowering cherry trees given by the Mayor of Tokyo to strengthen the bond between Japan and the US back in the year 1912, the Cherry Blossom Festival is highly attended by people all over the US. While not official, the cherry blossom is regarded as the national flower of Japan, and is held in high esteem by its residents; making the gift all that much more special. The festival is held in accordance with the blossoming season of the cherry trees.
One of the loveliest sights to ever meet the eye is the line of flowering cherry trees, fully adorned with the delicate and fragrant cherry blossom; facts that these fragile flowers are linked to spiritual and philosophical ideals are based on the limited life span that they have. Some believe that brevity and frailty is similar to that of human life.
The joy of viewing flowering cherry trees doesn’t have to mean a trip to Washington, D.C. every year. Anyone can have one in their own yard to enjoy if they are in possession of a few cherry blossom facts to help them along. Some of the favorite cherry trees are the fruit-bearing sour cherry and the fruit-bearing sweet cherry trees. With these varieties, the sweet scented blossoms are enjoyed in the spring, with the reward later on in the year of fresh, delicious fruit.
To grow your own cherry tree and enjoy the fragrant cherry blossom, facts on growing them are the first step needed. The sour cherry tree is an easier plant to grow than the sweet since it is more temperature tolerant. It is best to purchase planting stock from a well established nursery, choosing plants that are between one and two years old. These established young trees should be in a sunny area that is sheltered from damaging winds, and placed in area that receives good drainage. Sun is essential for the development of good cherries. Late spring frosts can be damaging to the delicate blossoms from which the cherries will emerge, so care must be taken to protect them from this danger.
Maintain your growing cherry tree will require continuous clearing around the tree, and from the tree itself in the form of deformed or diseased fruit, leaves and branches. Keeping the tree disease free is the key to future production of the cherry blossom; facts show that insects and disease spores are the biggest threat to the tree.
To fully enjoy in your own yard the intense fragrance and beauty of the cherry blossom, facts on growing them will be of great benefit. If it is not possible to have your own, plan a trip to Washington, DC for the National Cherry Blossom Festival for a sight that you will not soon forget.