Londoners need not dig out their passports or withdraw a hefty wad of spending money in order to experience the spectacular sights and scents of Sakura season. A trusty trip on the Tube will suffice, as over 100 new cherry blossom trees have just been planted in the middle of Greenwich Park.
130 prunus ‘Sekiyama’ cherry trees were planted in partnership with the Sakura Cherry Tree Project, symbolising the ongoing and long-lasting cultural connection between the UK and Japan. The rather spectacular additions to the park’s (already pretty impressive) landscape have been planted along the hillside that sits between the Grand Ascent and One Tree Hill, creating a breathtakingly vbirant ‘valley of blossom’.
This variety of tree is rarely planted in the UK, and will provide a sea of picture-perfect pink petals for Londoners to enjoy each spring. The trees have been planted as young saplings to assist their establishment on the gravelly soil of the park. Greenwich Park is no stranger to a bit of cherry blossom, with Londoners flocking to the gorgeous ‘Cherry Avenue’ each year to snap some pictures and soak in the views.
Matthew Pottage, Head of Horticulture and Landscape Strategy at The Royal Parks, said: “These beautiful cherry trees are more than a visual delight – they represent a bond between nations, a gift to our local communities, and a lasting legacy. We know after out long winters, people rejoice seeing colour and blossom, and this sea of pink will be an awe-inspiring hit of horticultural wonder.
“By planting these trees along the hillside, we’ve created a natural canvas, where, every spring, the landscape will transform into a vibrant sea of pink blossoms. We look forward to welcoming everyone to experience this new valley of blossom in Greenwich Park.”
