Cherries at the Big House Garden

Last year we had an almost complete "wash" of the cherry blossoms, when we got torrential rains just as the cherries were peaking. This year, however, has been quite another story!  I think the cherry trees really enjoyed a colder-than-normal winter, with more than the normal amount of winter rain. 

This first shot shows the beginnings of "Sakura Fubuki," what the Japanese refer to as the "Cherry Blizzard" when the blooms start to fall in the wind.

As the trees mature, there is almost a tunnel of blossoms as one walks behind the greenhouse and the walled garden.  On the left are white Camellia japonica "Mine no Yuki," which have already put on their show for the winter.

This other tree is in the front of the house, and Mr. refers to it as "the tree that only the gardener could love..."  For the past three years it has looked pretty dreadful, covered with moss, lichen, old funky bark, and almost no blooms.  Walking up the driveway now, it's as if this tree is saying, "Don't count me out yet!"

Adios, Sakurafubuki

The good news is that Atlanta has had tons of rain recently, which we desperately need, since we're in our second year of the "official" drought.

The bad news is that my beloved Sakurafubuki just isn't going to happen this year as a result (refer to the post of March 10 for more info). I have kept out hope that we would dry up and get some good sun for at least a couple of days while there have still been blooms on the cherries, but it's not looking good.

Walking under the trees yesterday it looked like lots of wet pink tissues had been thrown all over the ground. Sort of like the day after the tacky bridal shower, after the crepe paper has been left out one night too many.

Oh, well, there is always next year, and we really do need the rain!

Sakurafubuki!

"Sakurafubuki" is the Japanese term for the blizzard of cherry blossoms that occurs every spring. If you know me personally, you'll understand that this is one of those bizarre sorts of things that I just HAVE to know!

Anyway, I was walking through the garden this afternoon as I was finishing for the day, amazed at the things that have visibly grown in the past few days. It's been very warm in Atlanta, and as my friend Carolyn said, "Everything is looking like a big Easter basket!" I was walking under the grove of Yoshino cherry trees that are behind the greenhouse, looked up, and was so excited to see blossoms on one of the branches. Not buds, mind you, but full blown blossoms!

It's not exactly the Sakurafubuki that will come in a few weeks, but it's definitely on its way! When it happens for a couple of weeks every spring, it reconfirms for me what magic there is in gardening!

I will definitely get a photo this year from under the trees (in the midst of the "blizzard"), but here's one from last year that shows just how awesome this sight is!

If you don't have Yoshino cherry in your garden, go out NOW and buy one.....or twelve!