The cherry or sakura tree is one to look out for at this time of year. Not that you could miss it, with stunning blooms and varieties in pinks, whites and yellows.
The tree is most closely associated with Japan where culturally it holds a prominent position. So much so that the flowering season is celebrated across the country with Hanami (cherry blossom viewing) parties held under the trees canopy.
Its flowers represent new beginnings, revival, beauty and as the blooms are short lived (lasting from a few days to up to two weeks) they are also symbolic of the fleeting nature of life.
There are many early to late flowering varieties to be enjoyed now, flowering from mid March up to early May.
