Cherry blossoms ready to bloom in Burlington

There are two spectacular spots in Burlington where you can find cherry trees in full bloom in the days ahead.

The recent warm weather indicates the blossoms are expected to arrive early this spring with reports indicating some trees are already showing their pinkish flowers.

This is true at the Royal Botanical Gardens (RBG) where some variants are showing at the arboretum and the rock garden. Peak bloom is expected shortly.

As well, at the RBG, you can find Magnolia trees also in bloom at this time of year.

Another location to view cherry blossoms is Spencer Smith Park. Here, you can take part in the centuries-old tradition of hanami, the Japanese term for flower viewing. Called sakura in Japan, these cherry blossom trees traditionally bloom at the end of April to early May, but some trees are already beginning to show.

No matter where you visit to see the display, remember that climbing the cherry trees, pulling on the branches and plucking off the blooms can seriously damage the tree and future blooms.

To coincide with the season, the City of Burlington hosts the Sakura (Cherry Blossom) Festival in honour of Burlington’s twin city, Itabashi, Japan. This will be held on May 13 at 1 p.m. at the Burlington Performing Arts Centre.

This event will feature a drumming performance from Do Kon Daiko, a demonstration from Shudokan Family Karate, a Koto performance from Logan Scott, singing and shamisen performance from Ten Ten Canada, featuring Takahashi Aki, and a performance from dance group Sakuramai.

Burlington Mayor Marianne Meed Ward and Consul General of Japan Sasayama Takuya will also give brief presentations.