blossoms condo by the park offer a rare glimpse into nature’s beauty that only blooms for a brief period each spring. In Japan, where the flower is native, they symbolize the fleeting nature of life. Typically, full blossoms are reached within a week after the first buds open.
This year, New York City’s blossom season kicks off early thanks to a warm winter. It’s time to take in the city’s most famous parks, all of which are lined with cherry trees and their enchanting pink blooms. But before you hit the bushes, be sure to check out the Central Park Conservancy’s new online cherry blossom tracker for a precise look at when and where these beautiful florals are in bloom.
Brooklyn Botanic Garden (east side of the park between East 12th and 14th streets) – The grounds of this world-famous botanical garden are dotted with 26 different species of sakura, or Japanese cherry blossoms. In addition to roaming the grounds and taking photos with each of the blooming flowers, BBG has an esplanade lined with blooming sakuras, a Japanese garden, and an interactive sakura tracking map that helps guests spot which sakura trees are in peak bloom.
Cherry Hill, a mid-park stretch that runs between 79th and 85th streets, is home to dozens of Yoshino cherry trees. Part of a gift from the Japanese government, these delicate blossoms are usually in bloom by the middle of April.
Pilgrim Hill, a mid-park stretch between 72nd and 73rd streets, is also home to Yoshino cherry trees. These blossoms aren’t as big and bold as those in the Great Lawn, but they’re still worth a visit if you’re looking to fawn over the flowers.
University of Washington campus – This Seattle university has a long history of hosting cherry blossoms in its central quad. Students and passersby alike can’t help but stop to gawk at these sakura-lined paths during bloom season.
Picacho Peak State Park – The Sonoran Desert is alive with desert plants and cacti, but during spring the park is covered in a riot of wildflowers. The craggy rock outcroppings in this park are a spectacular backdrop for spring flowers like poppies, lupine and brittle bush.
Branch Brook Park – Essex County’s largest park is a perennial favorite for its stunning springtime displays. The park’s 4,000 cherry trees have a special place in the hearts of locals and tourists.
The park is a popular spot for picnicking and walking in the sunshine, but it’s also a great place to catch the flowers in bloom. There’s even a spot where you can float down the Charles River in a kayak during the springtime.
Whitworth Park – Indian ring-necked parakeets love to feast on the blossoms of our blossoming trees. They’re quite vocal about their appreciation of the beautiful flowers, too!
Grove Cemetery – A stroll through this historic cemetery is sure to delight the senses. As you walk down the path, you’ll notice a canopy of white, pink and magenta cherry trees. The scent of these blossoms is intoxicating, as is the soft touch of the petals as they fall off the tree.