April 7, 2010

The Potomac Cherry


I spotted this beautiful cherry tree in a bicycle parking space, next to the Seiyu in Kotesashi, the other day.

Upon closer look, I learned that this cherry tree is actually one of the descendants of the cherry trees that were given to the United States in 1912 (Thank you Al for the info!). Probably why they're called 'Potomac Cherry Tree.'

Although I have no idea how it ended up growing in the middle of a bicycle parking space, it certainly does brighten up the whole area.

I never really knew it took so long for the cherry trees given by Japan to be planted in Washington DC. It's a very interesting story and you can read about it here.


9 comments:

Hilda said...

Beautiful! Even the parked bikes look wonderful because of the blooms.

I found out about the gift because of CDP. Love that. :)

Lois said...

How pretty! I enlarged the first picture and it is amazing. Interesting to read about the trees in Washington DC too.

Costea Andrea Mihai said...

beautiful images!!

VP said...

A nice picture and an interesting story. Thanks for the link.

Tall Gary said...

Wow. And just at their peak. Wow.

Tall Gary said...

An English translation (by William R. Lafleur) of a poem by Saigyo:

Tired from travel
I’m falling asleep under
a tree at Yoshino
while a spring breeze gathers
and pulls over me a quilt of petals

Copenhagen said...

I love sakura! They always cheer me up.

Kaori said...

Thank you everyone for the lovely comments! I'm getting my fill of cherry blossoms this year ;D

Tall Gary, beautiful poem AND traslation!

Chin said...

So beautiful!

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