Sakura

One of the most beautiful phenomena in nature is the flowering of cherry trees in the spring. I remember one of my first family trips to Washington, DC to see the Cherry Blossom Festival and the display around the tidal basin. However, one does not have to travel that far - the Brooklyn Botanic Garden has their own display and festival (considered one of the world's finest displays outside Japan). Trees can be found at the Cherry Walk and Esplanade and in the Japanese Hill and Pond Garden. There are two cherry tree events going on: Hanami and Sakura Matsuri. Hanami (April 7 – May 6) is "the Japanese cultural tradition of viewing and cherishing each moment of the cherry blossom season—from the first buds to the brilliant blossoms to the petals falling like pink snow." Sakura Matsuri is the Cherry Blossom Festival, which will be held this coming weekend (Saturday, April 28, and Sunday, April 29, 10 a.m.–6 p.m). There are over 200 trees in bloom with over 60 Japanese cultural events and performances over the entire weekend - pop concerts (happyfunsmile, ZAN & hip-hop artist Akim Funk Buddha), a taiko drum concert, history of geisha, traditional music and dance, ice sculpture, ikebana, origami, kirigami, samari sword, bonsai, Go, tea ceremonies, craft demonstrations, and workshops. I highly recommend it - I think I may go again for the Festival ...