Our articles are written by women for women. If you have something to say, send us your article and we'll review it!| Bloomin' March |
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The cherry blossom, actually, has a remarkable history in North America. The first batch of 75 cherry trees, were brought over to Washington DC in 1906 to a private estate to test their hardiness. With these trees success, it quickly grew notoriety and saplings were distributed in celebration of Arbour Day a few years later. By 1912, Japan had gifted over three thousand more trees to Washington to honour the growing friendship between the two nations. Over the years more trees have been gifted, from Japan, all across North America. As a result, today thousands of trees line city streets from Vancouver to Toronto, through California and down to Georgia. Incidentally in 1982, 800 cuttings from the original 1912 trees were taken and sent back to Japan to replace some of the original trees that were destroyed by flooding. Cherry Blossom festivals take place to commemorate more than just the simple beauty of these trees. In Japan, more than just a national symbol, these trees represent a Buddhist metaphor symbolic of the fragility of life. And as love for these trees has spread across the world, so too have the festivals and you can find people celebrating their beauty not only in North America but in Denmark, India, and Korea. So here is my eco tip for March, go outside and love a cherry blossom. Walk out under the canopy of pink and white petals and welcome in Spring. Look out for a festival in your area. And remember, the best time to plant your cherry blossom tree is in early spring or late fall. Cherry Blossom Festivals Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival National Cherry Blossom Festival Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival Cherry Blossom Festival of Greater Philidelphia History of the Flowering Cherry Blossom |
You cannot argue the beauty of March. Granted it has its rainy days, sometimes its snowy days, and of course, its blistery days. But if you are ever on the West Coast this time of year you cannot deny the delicate beauty a gust of wind can bring. In one cool sweep, hundreds of tiny pink petals from the flowering cherry tree can shower down and chase away the last of the winter doldrums.