Fragility

Immortalized in art and poetry and admired in gardens everywhere including here at Highclere, cherry trees are much loved all over the world. The profusion of the hanging clouds of blossom clinging to the branches create a breathtaking display and truly celebrate the arrival of spring after the long months of winter. They epitomise the idea of new beginnings and burgeoning life, but their fragility and ephemeral nature is also part of their attraction, reminding us of the wonder of life and our own mortality. 

Cherry trees grow in many countries, but they are intrinsically tied to the history and culture of Japan, where the flowers are known as Sakura. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the Sakura holds deep cultural significance in Japanese society. It is regarded as a symbol of renewal, hope, and the transient nature of life, encapsulated by the Japanese concept of "mono no aware" (the pathos of things) which conveys a heightened sensitivity to the beauty and impermanence of things. The Sakura’s brief but dazzling bloom serves as a reminder to cherish the present and embrace life. 

Records of the timing of the celebrations of cherry blossom festivals go back to the 9th century and thus help reconstruct the climate of the past. They demonstrate that the timing of Spring has gradually changed as they reveal a local increase in temperature associated with global warming. Today, in Japan, forecasts track the daily flower openings so that everyone get the most out of a Sakura trip. It is big business - you can try Sakura tea, cakes and even soaps. 

The Japanese tradition of Hanami meaning “flower viewing” has an equally long history, extending back over 1,000 years. It is a cherished custom whereby family and friends can come together outside in parks and gardens to picnic, socialize, and celebrate amidst the splendour of the blossoms. These days, Hanami picnic festivals are not only found in Japan but as far apart as Washington in the USA and Kent in the UK. 

The main tree revered during Hanami is the pale pink Prunus x yedoensis 'Somei-yoshino', which only blooms for one week and symbolises the importance and joy of living in the moment. This tree in particular encapsulates the idea of appreciating the cherry blossom’s fleeting beauty whilst reflecting on the ephemeral nature of life, and our wishes and hopes. 

 The largest Japanese cherries have a wide spreading growth habit. Some of the most beautiful have clusters of double pink flowers which fade to a beautiful pure white so that the clouds of pink blooms make way for showers of white flowers. 

At Highclere, the Secret Garden, which was created some 50 to 60 years ago, is planted with several cherry tree varieties, but we also have a whole cluster of them around the wildflower meadow. Some five years ago, the Embassy of Japan in London very kindly gave us 21 cherry trees which we planted there and to which we keep adding. We have also planted weeping cherry trees (shidarezakura) and added ones that flower early and late to extend the transience. Thus, every spring the display becomes better and better - there are even some varieties with beautiful autumn colours. 

If we are lucky enough to have a still spring with only light breezes, the clouds of blossom settle for a few days or even dance a little in the air, The individual flowers are very simple in shape, not structured like daffodils or orchids, but they're delicate and easily damaged. Sharp spring winds and gusts quickly demonstrate their fragility and even if the trees are resilient, there is nothing we can do to mitigate the loss of blossom. It is here today and gone tomorrow - therefore, carpe diem. As such they need to be enjoyed in the here and now and our instinctive reaction is simply to smile . 

Loveliest of trees, the cherry now
Is hung with bloom along the bough,
And stands about the woodland ride
Wearing white for Eastertide.

 Now, of my threescore years and ten,
Twenty will not come again,
And take from seventy springs a score,
It only leaves me fifty more.

 And since to look at things in bloom
Fifty springs are little room,
About the woodlands I will go
To see the cherry hung with snow.