Since I’ve fallen in love with the Japanese makeup brand SUQQU, I enjoy exploring more about the culture. More than just watching Shogun, I’ve been to see the exhibition at Japan House, exploring the rich artistry and culture of the AINU peoples of Northern Japan. You already know I luv a cuppa Matcha. Now that spring has come around, I’m enjoying Hanami and viewing flowers around Greater London and the City of London. If you have never tried Hanami before, I’ll share a few places where you can start.
What Is Hanami?
Simply put, Hanami is the Japanese practice of celebrating spring and the blooming of cherry blossoms (Sakura). It’s quite the event where nationals go and about to view the cherry blossoms in Spring. The period during which the blooms are at their best is short. Hence, there is a yearly cherry blossom forecast that details when each region of Japan should expect its Sakura.
The tradition of hanami began over 1000 years ago and became popular when Emperor Saga organised large parties with food and sake under the famous cherry blossom Sakura trees and plum trees at the Imperial Court of Kyoto. Cherry blossoms were seen as a metaphor to life, as they were beautiful yet fleeting.
It’s a lifestyle and the Japanese usually plan picnics under the Sakura trees with treats that are an ode to the delicate blooms and the season.
Cherry Blossom Season in England
Everyone knows the weather is a topical issue in the UK. One thing is certain: when the daffodils pop and the cherry blossoms bloom, we know spring is here.
When the cherry blossoms bloom depends on the type of winter we’ve had. According to the Natural History Museum; most of the common cherry trees planted in the UK blossom in April. Mild winters can result in the trees flowering earlier, sometimes in March.
In cooler years they might not do so until May.
Places To Hanami In And Around London
Cherry blossom trees are popular in the suburbs. There may not be an entire street but you’re likely to find them growing between crab apple and common pear trees. They also have pretty little blooms. Greater London public parks like Grove Park, in Carshalton, Nonsuch Park, in Cheam and Morden Hall Park, in Morden are pictureques this time of the year.
While in west London, the popular Kyoto Garden, in Holland Park, is place to see the delicate blooms. Althought it can get busy, the waterfall and pond filled with Koi is idyllic for a brief respite from the bustle of the city. The closest tube if you are commuting is High Street Kensington, or Holland Park. Further along in north London, Waterlow Park in Highgate.
There’s a free cherry blossom experience that’s nature meets tech at Outernet London. It’s entitled Nature’s Confetti and features twice an hour at Outernet’s Now Building between from early to late April. Location: Now Building, Centre Point, WC2H 8LH. The nearest station is Tottenham Court Road.
There are also streets around west London where flowers in full bloom, like around Chepstow Villas and Ladbroke Road, in Notting Hill, as well as, Oakwood Court and environs in Kensington.
The mentions above is not an exhaustive list of places in London to see cherry blossoms. Why not get out and explore, find your hidden gem.
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Floral Appreciation
Beyond the season of cherry blossoms, there are other flowers that are equally stunning. Some flowers that grow out of the ground, (rather than trees) like tulips! Tulley’s Tulip Festival runs roughly from Mid-March to near end of April and Coombe Wood Garden in South Croydon and various parts of Surrey, National Trust Sites., which includes Morden Hall Park There always something going on during spring and over the easter break.
Alternatively, there are opportunities to see floral artistry which incorpate flowers and trees at events such as Belgravia in Bloom in May and Chelea in Bloom also in May. Additionally, there are open gardens throughout the year via the National Garden Scheme across the UK .
Beyond Flower Festivals
Unless you are a planner, it’s easy to miss the big festivals and paid experiences in Spring. Why not simply enjoy a long leisurely stroll, here and/or a picnic to and spot cherry blossoms for free. Here are a few additional places to see cherry blossoms and hanami as though you where in Japan:
Whatever you do, get outside and look up once in a while. You don’t need to attend a festival to see the flowers, take a walk, or go for a drive to any of the locations mentioned above. Hug a tree. Take a moment to be present and just breathe.
Do you have a favourite spring flower? How do you celebrate spring? Comment below, I’d love to hear from you. If you liked this read all about green therapy in Cornwall on the blog.
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