Pink blossom trees are flourishing in Sheffield, just two weeks after chilling temperature and heavy snow. But the springtime sight won’t be around for long.
Visitors at Crookes Valley Park were seen taking pictures of the blooming trees in awe while a cyclist recorded videos of the scene as he drove back and forth.
On the occasional sunny days, there were also teenagers skateboarding on the path next to the row of cherry blossoms.
“We’re very excited to see cherry blossoms here”, 29-year-old Arun Ruchira said after taking selfies with his girlfriend.
“We came from India a few years ago but this is the first we see it in Sheffield.”
The flower is usually pale pink or white in colour. The slightly curved shape of its five petals also gives it an elegant and delicate look. The edible petals are sometimes used in desserts and beverages to add a light floral flavour.
There are at least seven cherry trees planted around the lake in the middle of Crookes Valley Park.
The blooming cycle is short. Trees typically start to bud in late winter or early spring before growing into flowers, but they only last for two to three weeks before falling on the ground.
Extreme weather and fluctuations in temperature can influence the blooming cycle as cherry blossoms are sensitive to the weather. Warmer than usual climate can speed up the process and shorten the viewing window but flowers may not bloom at all if it is too cold.
The National Trust has been planting them all across England, Wales and Northern Ireland since 2020, including Leeds, Plymouth and Newcastle, to give people a space for “hope, reflection and the chance to celebrate the beauty of spring”, according to the Director-general Hilary McGrady.
The scheme is part of the Trust’s commitment to plant 20 million trees in the coming decade to tackle global climate change.
Cherry blossoms can be commonly observed in East Asia. Tens of thousands of tourists flock to Japan every Spring to appreciate large fields full of cherry blossoms, a traditional custom known as Hanami (花見, “flower viewing”).
It is also popular subject of poetry and artworks in East Asian culture because of its symbol of renewal and transition from harsh winter.
Rey Qian, 27, of Netherthorpe, said: “Sometimes I come here to do some walking and running.
“The trees help attract people to visit the otherwise quiet park. It’s not very populated.“
Apart from Crookes Valley Park, cherry blossoms can also be seen in the Peace Gardens in the city centre, near Sheffield train station and in Brincliffe Edge.