Cherry Blossoms on Roosevelt Island

Hundreds of cherry trees in full bloom on Roosevelt Island

Brooklyn Rite of Spring

The annual celebration of cherry blossoms and Japanese culture took place a week ago at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. Cherry blossoms (sakura) had become the celebrated spring flower at the garden where visitors can enjoy over 200 Japanese flowering cherry trees of over 30 different species and cultivars. In addition to "hanami" or flower viewing, visitors of all ages can enjoy music, workshops, and crafts that celebrate the culture of Japan and cherry blossoms. 

Cherry Blossoms on Roosevelt Island

The United Nations Building in the background (right)

Located under the Ed Koch Queensboro or 59th Street Bridge, across from the United Nations, Roosevelt Island has 600 incredible cherry trees. They are in full bloom. The annual cherry blossoms festival took place last Saturday at the East River Promenade featuring Japanese culture, food, spring wine tasting and other activities.

Cherry Blossom Season at Brooklyn Botanic Garden

This time-lapse was created by Dave Allen, BBG's Web Manager, from over 3,000 digital photos, one taken every 3 minutes from April 18 to April 26, 2008, of Brooklyn Botanic Garden's famed Cherry Walk. The music is by Jon Solo, a Brooklyn-based musician and producer.

The Cherry Esplanade of the Brooklyn Botanic Garden is a broad green field bordered by two allées of cherry trees (Prunus'Kanzan). This year, the double-flowering cherries bloomed earlier than usual. The images were taken yesterday. The cherry blossoms are a centerpiece of the Garden’s annual cherry blossom festival to be held at the end of the month.