P. Pilgrim
Amid this cold and wet winter, many are looking toward spring for the sun’s warming rays. With the high passes usually snow-free, the mountain trails become more crowded with eager climbers and adventurous tourists.
The birds, which over winter remained silent, burst into song once again. And a genuine revival of nature occurs, bringing a flourish of colour in various parts of the country.
At that time, as the Kathmandu Valley begins to warm gently, Cherry Blossoms, amongst other trees, will start to bloom.
The Cherry Blossom is one of the most-loved trees worldwide, which is easy to understand when you see its beauty. Indeed, it is a stunning sight to behold. As the majestic Rhododendron is the national flower of Nepal, the Cherry Blossom is Japan’s national flower, more traditionally known as the Sakura. Millions of people flock to Japan each year for flower-viewing festivals.
There are hundreds of varieties of Cherry Blossom Trees—not to be confused with the Cherry Tree, which produces fruit. The most common variety is the Japanese Cherry blossom. These Cherry Blossom Trees require little care, making them perfect for home gardens—maybe, you could even plant one next spring? If space is limited, don’t worry, you can even plant one in a large pot; there are Dwarf Cherry Blossoms Trees available, too!
Cherry Blossom Trees need lots of sunlight and rich and fertile soil. Experts suggest choosing a spot in the garden or yard that provides at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. The ground beneath your flowering tree should also have good drainage for proper growth. Flowering Cherry Trees can grow anywhere from 15 to 30 feet high with a canopy just as wide, so choose a location that can support the tree’s mature size. If the soil and the climate are suitable, the tree could live for 30-40 years!
Cherry Blossom Trees bring a cascade of pink and ivory blooms in the spring.These blooms often last no more than two or so weeks leaving behind a carpet of fragrant colour. So short, so brief.
The Bible also mentions this brevity in Psalm 103, verses 15 and 16. As for man, his days are as grass: as a flower of the field, so he flourisheth. For the wind passeth over it, and it is gone; and the place thereof shall know it no more.
That also reminds us of what the Bible teaches in the New Testament book of James. The apostle James states that we do not know what tomorrow holds. Then the writer asks a searching question: “For what is your life?”; James then answers his question: “It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.” Like the flowering Cherry Blossom, it appears for a little time, then vanishes away.
Someone said that the significance of the Cherry Blossom Tree in Japanese culture goes back hundreds of years. It’s a reminder that life is almost overwhelmingly beautiful but that it is also tragically short.
As we appreciate the splendour of the beautiful Cherry Blossom, may we also have a sense of the brevity of our lives? Let us ponder this great truth; we have but a little
time. What is your life?
pilgrimway101@yahoo.com
