Blossom time!
Share spirit-lifting pictures of spring
AFTER the success of #BlossomWatch in 2020, the National Trust is inviting people to celebrate blossom season again.
Emulating Hanami, the Japanese tradition celebrating blossom as the first sign of spring, the conservation charity is encouraging everyone to actively notice and enjoy the beauty of blossom.
Using the hashtag #BlossomWatch the Trust is asking people to share their blossom images across social media to lift spirits and celebrate nature.
Plant a blossom tree!
For those inspired to plant a blossom tree, the National Trust has also compiled a list of five suitable for home gardens. They are:
■ Malus baccata var. mandshurica (Manchurian Siberian crab apple) : April’s white blossom makes way for an abundance of cherry-like deep red apples that last into the new year.
■ Cercis siliquastrum (Judas tree): The deep pink blossoms erupt straight from the main stem and branches in May, followed by pealike fruits which are most obvious in late summer/early autumn.
■ Pyrus communis (pear cultivars): Expect frothy white blossom in April, which is good for pollinators.
■ Prunus ‘Kanzan’ (cherry ‘Kanzan’): In March/April it has double pink flowers, followed by lovely bronze leaves turning green in summer that turn coppery orange colour.
■ Malus domestica ‘Discovery’ (apple ‘Discovery’): This early dessert apple produces pure white, cupshaped blossoms from late April followed by delicious fruits juicy enough to tempt Snow White.