Visitors to Greenwich Park can expected to treated to a vibrant sea of pink blossom each spring thanks to the planting for 130 cherry trees, writes Joe Rattue…
Greenwich Park has planted the 130 Prunus ‘Sekiyama’ cherry trees to symbolise the UK’s friendship with Japan and comes courtesy of The Royal Parks charity, which manages the park, and the Sakura Cherry Tree Project.
This species of tree is rarely planted in the UK and will “transform Greenwich Park each spring with vibrant pink blooms,” according to the charity.
Matthew Pottage, Head of Horticulture and Landscape Strategy at The Royal Parks,said: “These beautiful cherry trees are more than a visual delight – they represent a bond between nations, a gift to our local communities, and a lasting legacy.
“We know after our long winters, people rejoice seeing colour and blossom, and this sea of pink will be an awe-inspiring hit of horticultural wonder.
“By planting these trees along the hillside, we’ve created a natural canvas, where, every spring, the landscape will transform into a vibrant sea of pink blossoms.
The trees were planted as saplings to help them grow on the park’s gravelly soil, placed along the hillside between the Grand Ascent and One Tree Hill.
Mr Pottage added: “We look forward to welcoming everyone to experience this new valley of blossom in Greenwich Park.”
The spectacle of colour will offer a peaceful retreat in addition to the park’s existing mature cherry trees near the Rose Garden.
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The Sakura Cherry Tree Project,launched in 2017 by Theresa May and the then Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, has donated thousands of trees to celebrate UK-Japan relations.
Its founder and Joint Chairman Keisaku Sandy Sanosaid: “The response we have had from all across the UK, from Guernsey in the south to the Orkneys in the north, from parks and schools across the UK has been amazing.
“It is testament to the strong relationship between the two countries, and we hope the trees will be a lasting tribute to that.”
Joint Chairman Takashi Tsukamoto said: “Many Japanese corporations have decided to, through the Japan-British Society, generously donate to this project to celebrate a long friendship between our two nations.
“I am deeply grateful for all the efforts and support given by people and corporations both in Japan and UK to this project.”
