It’s time to get those cameras and phones ready because cherry blossom season is just around the corner in Richmond.
In Japan, a tradition called hanami — which means “flower viewing” — involves admiring cherry blossoms and having a picnic underneath the pink trees.
While there are different types of cherry blossoms around the world, the colour and shape of the flower can often be mistaken for plum blossoms.
But one thing that’s for sure is that all cherry tree flowers share the same characteristics, including having a split at the end of each petal, and oval — rather than round — cherry buds.
There are 54 types of cherry blossoms in Canada.
Garry Point Park is home to 255 Akebono cherry trees, which are considered one of the world’s most popular cherry trees, according to the City of Richmond’s website.
The Akebono tree was chosen for Garry Point Park due to its hardy nature and ability to withstand cool and wet climates — perfect considering the park’s proximity to the Pacific Ocean.
Meanwhile, the timing of blossoming cherry trees appears to depend on the species itself, according to city spokesperson Clay Adams.
Some trees in Terra Nova are, like in Vancouver, already beginning to blossom, offering early opportunities for beautiful photos. The Akebono trees in Garry Point Park are late bloomers, expected to blossom around early April.
Enter photos to win
If you have a photo featuring cherry blossoms, please submit it to the Richmond News at [email protected].
Remember to tell us where and when you took the photo.
By submitting the photo, you will have the chance to join a photo contest and win a $50 gift card.
In preparation for the arrival of cherry blossom season, the News has rounded up some of the city’s top photo spots this spring.
Where to go for cherry blossom viewing
1. Garry Point Park
2. Steveston Community Park and Steveston Village. (Many cherry trees can be found along the trails)
3. Minoru Park
4. Larry Berg Flight Path Park
5. Garden City Park
6. Hamilton neighbourhood
7. Richmond Olympic Oval Precinct, on the east side of the Oval.
8. 5th Avenue Park
9. Paulik Neighbourhood Park
