The Kwanzan Cherries (Prunus Kwanzan) are blooming early this year! There are 187 planted along the west side of the reservoir making it one of the most beautiful cherry tree alleés in the park.  They were a gift to the park in 1912 from Japan to commemorate the Hudson-Fulton Centennial.  Their wonderful deep pink double blooms are like little pink puffy clouds raining precious pink snow drops over the spring grasses. The blossoms are especially treasured in Japanese culture, most evident during Hanami festival. Cherry blossoms represent the extreme beauty and transient nature of life, an embodiment of the buddhist concept mono no aware.  I’ve read that colonial Japan would plant cherry trees to claim occupied territory as Japanese space. The blossoms are edible in moderation. Enjoy!

The Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis ) is a small tree native to eastern North America from Ontario to Florida. There are a bunch in Central Park and boy are they electric! Their vivid purple, sweet pea-like flowers boogie woogie against the bare branches and bark from which they’re sprouting.  These beautiful flowers are edible, they can even be pickled! The Redbud has another culinary use…. According to wikipedia, ”In some parts of southern Appalachia, green twigs from the Eastern redbud are used as seasoning for wild game such as venison and opossum. Because of this, in these mountain areas the Eastern redbud is sometimes known as the spicewood tree.” Ewww! 

Narcissus, commonly known as the Daffodil is one of spring’s most cheerful greeters. It’s named after the Greek god Narcissus who drowned because he was so obsessed with his own reflection. Personally I prefer the old english Daffodil, it suits the friendly flower so much better :) Daffodils are native to the Mediterranean region of Europe, North Africa and Asia. According to Chinese legend, the daffodil is a symbol of good fortune. The daffodil is used as a symbol of the Chinese New Year and if a daffodil blooms in your garden on New Year’s Day, your house will have good fortune for the entire year.

Flowering Quince or Chaenomeles are native to Japan, China and Korea. They make beautiful bonsai!

Fritillaria. The name is derived from Latin, fritillus, referring to the checkered pattern of the flower. I didn’t get too close but they supposedly smell bad, like wet fur. Yuck! 

Yay! Springtime!