Will the cherry blossoms in High Park come out this year?
After a very mild winter and cool spring, Chantale Spencer, staff member at the High Park Nature Centre, has her fingers crossed.
Chantale was the featured speaker at a joint meeting April 28 with the Rotary Club of Parkdale-High Park. Speaking at the Grenadier Restaurant, she said, given the weather, the buds on the trees could just turn into leaves. However, staff are hoping for a small bloom on at least some of the trees in early May, as there are several varieties in different locations.
The cherry trees were first donated by the Japanese Ambassador in 1959 as a gift from the citizens of Tokyo. More trees of different varieties were added in 1989 and 2001. Chantale says that the pink and white blossoms really help with the natural environment and wildlife, and attract many birds, like Orioles. For more information, see the Nature Centre website.
Following the meeting, some of us from both clubs went on a nature walk with Chantale to view some of the trees, including the remarkable Dawn Redwoods. Many thanks to the Parkdale-High Park Club for organizing this very educational joint meeting!
.jpg)