The first phase of the ‘Sakura Project’ has now been completed with over 4000 Japanese Flowering Cherry trees delivered to over 100 sites across the UK.
The trees have been specially grown by Frank P Matthews to celebrate 150 years of Japan-UK friendship and the continued cooperation between the two nations.
Planting locations have been chosen that have good public access so everyone can enjoy the spectacular blooms each spring. City parks, stately homes and selected gardens – including RHS gardens – have planted Sakura trees so that in years to come Britain can enjoy its own ‘Hanami’ festival, similar to the wonderful sights in Japan.
“This is a really exciting project,” explains Matthew Thomas from FPM, “these trees will transform parks and gardens and put on a real show. We can’t wait to see them when they are more established and brightening up the landscape.”
Three of the best varieties have been selected so that the blossom periods overlap to produce a superb display that should last several weeks: ‘Beni-yutaka’, ‘Somei-yoshino’ and ‘Tai-haku’.
Another 2000 trees are scheduled for planting at more sites next winter so more people can enjoy these special trees. The project has been funded by various Japanese corporations as a gift to the UK.
More information about the project and locations can be found at japanuksakura.org