Cherry Blossoms...in Japan. The start times are expected to be: Tokyo on March 19 through to Sendai March 25th. The peak day is predicted to be March 27th. This is an early year - last year the blossom period was in April.
But this year is different:
Japan cherry blossom festivals cancelled
Vancouver cherry blossom festival cancelled
California cherry blossom festival cancelled
What about California's Almond Blossom festival? It is finished - February 20th - 23rd is typical - that was in Ripon, south of Sacramento, inland from San Francisco. The Fresno bloom period has finished. It is more like Niagara - a blossom trail that you drive. Here's the overview from Fresno:
"How to recognize the Blossoms you see...
Almond Blossoms have white petals. Two or more varieties may be planted in the same orchard for cross pollination by bees. Harvesting, usually done mechanically, runs from late Aug. to early Oct.
Plum Blossoms are white. At least two varieties will be planted in an orchard for cross pollination. Over 200 varieties are grown commercially. Harvested in June to late September.
Apricot Blossoms have pink petals. Fewer than 12 varieties are grown commercially. Harvest season lasts two to three weeks during mid to late May.
Peach and Nectarine Blossoms feature pink to red petals and bloom at the same time. Over 100 varieties are grown commercially. Harvest runs mid-May to October.
Apple Blossoms have white petals. Up to six varieties are grown commercially in Fresno County. Harvest is Aug. to Nov.
Citrus Blossoms are white with a most aromatic fragrance. Navel and Valencia oranges, Mandarins, and lemons, are the most common citrus grown locally. Mandarin trees are frequently covered with a fine mesh to prevent bees from pollinating the flowers, which would cause the fruit to form seeds."
Scrolling through pictures of almond orchards in California shows all of the above - white and pink. And lots of "Almond Orchard Engagement Session" results. That would be the engagement pictures to cherish.
It is a more than a few weeks before our blossom trail is ready. Here's a collage of what to expect in Niagara.
