Banksia Park Cherry Grove : Surviving flood . . .
The delicate blossoms of Banksia Park’s cherry trees may be fleeting, but the history of this beautiful grove tells a story of resilience and lasting friendship.
In February 1980, the Japanese Government donated 100 flowering cherry trees to the people of Victoria to mark the visit of the Japanese Prime Minister Masayoshi Ohira (大平正芳). Having fought disease, drought and relocation in their 40-year life, the trees are now being maintained and cared for by a dedicated group of volunteers and Parks Victoria rangers.
They were originally planted at Jells Parks in Dandenong Valley Parklands but was relocated to Banksia park in 1988. In the month of October visitors flock to the park to participate in Hanami – a traditional Japanese custom of enjoying the transient beauty of Cherry Blossoms or Sakura.
The Cherry Friends started in 2015 when a group of Japanese-born residents began feeding and hand watering the trees, vastly improving the health of the grove.
Since 2018, the Cherry Friends has hosted a visiting arborist Mr Kazumi from Japan to conduct a pruning masterclass with Parks Victoria rangers and the volunteers. This labour of love is celebrated at an annual ‘Sakura’ (cherry blossom) Picnic Day. (Parks Victoria)
Victoria has experienced a once in 50 years flood for the last few days. Banksia Park Cherry Grove, essentially a stone's throw distance from Yarra River, has been inundated by flood water. Access has been blocked off for 3 days. Fingers crossed that the cherry trees can survive this severe test.
The blossoming trees are Shirufugen. Weeping cherries have finished flowering since last week.
Banksia Park Cherry Grove : Surviving flood . . .
The delicate blossoms of Banksia Park’s cherry trees may be fleeting, but the history of this beautiful grove tells a story of resilience and lasting friendship.
In February 1980, the Japanese Government donated 100 flowering cherry trees to the people of Victoria to mark the visit of the Japanese Prime Minister Masayoshi Ohira (大平正芳). Having fought disease, drought and relocation in their 40-year life, the trees are now being maintained and cared for by a dedicated group of volunteers and Parks Victoria rangers.
They were originally planted at Jells Parks in Dandenong Valley Parklands but was relocated to Banksia park in 1988. In the month of October visitors flock to the park to participate in Hanami – a traditional Japanese custom of enjoying the transient beauty of Cherry Blossoms or Sakura.
The Cherry Friends started in 2015 when a group of Japanese-born residents began feeding and hand watering the trees, vastly improving the health of the grove.
Since 2018, the Cherry Friends has hosted a visiting arborist Mr Kazumi from Japan to conduct a pruning masterclass with Parks Victoria rangers and the volunteers. This labour of love is celebrated at an annual ‘Sakura’ (cherry blossom) Picnic Day. (Parks Victoria)
Victoria has experienced a once in 50 years flood for the last few days. Banksia Park Cherry Grove, essentially a stone's throw distance from Yarra River, has been inundated by flood water. Access has been blocked off for 3 days. Fingers crossed that the cherry trees can survive this severe test.
The blossoming trees are Shirufugen. Weeping cherries have finished flowering since last week.