Sakura Blossoms and the Arrival of Spring

York University, Keele Campus

Sakura cherry trees are found in several locations within driving distance of home. They bloom between the third week of April and the second week of May and the fully opened flowers last less than a week on average. Last year they peaked in the Toronto area on May 9th. This year they were in full bloom on April 22. I had time to go to Toronto on April 24th and enjoyed the cherry blossoms at two different locations. York University has 250 cherry trees scattered around various campuses. The trees in the photo, planted in 2003, are at Arboretum Lane at the Keele Street campus. 

There are over 200 species of "sakura" in Japan. The word refers to cherry blossoms, the national flower of the country. They welcome the arrival of spring and also symbolize human mortality. The brief blooming period of Sakura is a reminder of the fleeting nature of life. Washington DC has a Cherry Blossom Festival that commemorates the gift of approximately 3,000 cherry trees from the Mayor of Tokyo to the United States in 1912. Mom and Dad were married on April 4, 1953, and went to Washington DC for their honeymoon during the festival. 

Sakura at Edwards Gardens

After lunch with my friend, I went to Edwards Gardens to see the mature cherry trees at the Bridle Path entrance to the park. The skies cleared and the pink-flowered trees were stunning in the sunshine. I had decided to come to Edwards Gardens rather than the more popular High Park which was a good decision as there were few people here on a mid-week afternoon. 

Naturalized landscape at Edwards Gardens

I wanted to see Edwards Gardens to recall my childhood visits here. When we lived in Aurora after returning to Canada from South Africa, Grandma D. gave my brother Nathan and me a membership to the Junior Field Naturalists, a division of the Federation of Ontario Naturalists. We received a monthly magazine which I loved reading and there were meetings for young naturalists at Edwards Gardens in the Toronto Botanical Garden buildings. Grandma drove us here, and we enjoyed interactive activities, the details of which I cannot remember. But I do know that my love of nature was instilled at an early age. Children's nature programs are still available along with regular activities for adults.

Edwards Gardens is a city park that was once an estate garden. It is located on Wilket Creek, one of the tributaries of the Don River. The creek runs through a ravine that divides the park and the trails descend and ascend steep hills. The grounds are generally naturalized rather than featuring formal plantings. Spring shrubs and perennials were blooming and willows lined the creek's banks.

Toronto Botanical Garden

The Toronto Botanical Garden is adjacent to the city park and more formal gardens and buildings are found here at the Lawrence Avenue entrance. The botanical garden and the city park share continuous trails through the accessible upper level and the ravine. Bicycles, dogs, sports activities and picnics are not allowed at the botanical gardens but bike trails pass through the city park. I didn't see any dogs or bicycles but the trails are very steep for recreational cycling. 

I spent a pleasant couple of hours wandering through the park and garden. It was very peaceful with plenty of benches overlooking gorgeous views. I must remember to detour here more often when I come to the city!