Botanic Garden’s cherry-watching season begins
The Brooklyn Botanic Garden’s horticulture staff has observed the first flush of blossoms on the early-blooming Prunus sargentii or “Fudan-zakura” cherry tree —indicating Hanami has begun at Brooklyn Botanic Garden.
Hanami, the Japanese cultural tradition of enjoying the cherry-blossom season from first buds to lush flowers to multitudes of falling petals blanketing the ground, is one of the most extraordinary times of year at the Garden.
More than 200 flowering cherry trees encompassing over 20 cultivars, or varieties — the nation’s most diverse collection — provide a spectacular seasonal show that continuously unfolds over three to five weeks, depending on seasonal weather. The season culminates in the Garden’s well-known Cherry Blossom Festival, or Sakura Matsuri.