Sakura Hanami

Last week, Guy and I made an after-work trip to High Park, to see the fabled cherry blossoms in glorious, full blooms. This is my third summer back in TO, and can you believe it, the first spring I’ve managed this flowery field trip (May is typically a bit bonkers for me). I am so glad we ignored the clouds, as the rain held off. It was a beautiful, romantic night. The park was full of couples, snapping self-portraits – we were in good company!



Sakura trees aren’t native to Canada. In 1959, the Japanese ambassador to Canada, Toru-Hagiwara, presented 2000 (!) Japanese Somei-Yoshino Sakura trees to the citizens of Toronto on behalf of the citizens of Tokyo. The trees were planted in appreciation of Toronto accepting re-located Japanese-Canadians following the Second World War. Oh Canada!

Sakura bloom just once a year, and flower for only a week or so – two tops – so timing your visit is important. There’s even a facebook group that stalks the buds (forgive the pun!) In fact this past Friday (Cherry Blossom update #12, in case you’re counting), reliable sources reported limbs laced with blooms - for a limited time only. Go forth and flower!



p.s. Love the vintage-vibe of these? That's the Hipstamatic for you. Decidedly low-fi, super-analogue "film" for your (or in my case, Guy's) iPhone. So much fun!