2023 Cherry Blossom Watch

A scene from years past: Peering through the branches of a weeping cherry at the Pavilion in Portland Japanese Garden’s Flat Garden. Photo by Jonathan Ley.

In Portland Japanese Garden, the arrival of spring is often heralded by the awakening of our cherry blossoms. Our delicate and beautiful Yoshino and Weeping Cherry trees will soon glow with the whites and pinks we sorely missed during the gray days of winter. To help plan your visit, we’ve created this hub where you will be able to find frequent updates on the state of the blooms.

Wednesday, March 29

A serene fog enveloped the Garden this morning. The cherry trees have not yet bloomed, but signs of progress are evident.

  • The weeping cherry in the Flat Garden. Photo taken 3/29/23.
  • The weeping cherry in the Flat Garden. Photo taken 3/29/23.
  • Cherry Tree Hill in the Strolling Pond Garden. Photo taken 3/29/23.
  • Cherry Tree Hill in the Strolling Pond Garden. Photo taken 3/29/23.
  • The cherry tree next to the Umami Café. Photo taken 3/29/23.
  • The cherry tree next to the Umami Café. Photo taken 3/29/23.
  • The cherry tree next to the Umami Café. Photo taken 3/29/23.

Previously

  • The cherry tree next to the Umami Café. Photo taken 3/27/23.
  • The cherry tree next to the Umami Café. Photo taken 3/27/23.
  • The cherry tree next to the Umami Café. Photo taken 3/27/23.
  • The weeping cherry in the Flat Garden. Photo taken 3/27/23.
  • The weeping cherry in the Flat Garden. Photo taken 3/27/23.
  • The weeping cherry in the Flat Garden. Photo taken 3/27/23.
  • Cherry Tree Hill in the Strolling Pond Garden. Photo taken 3/27/23.
  • Cherry Tree Hill in the Strolling Pond Garden. Photo taken 3/27/23.
  • Cherry Tree Hill in the Strolling Pond Garden. Photo taken 3/27/23.

The cherry blossom is a deeply symbolic flower of Japan and many resonate with sakura, or cherry blossoms. The Yoshino Cherry is a hybrid cherry and is one of the most popular and widely planted cultivated flowering cherries worldwide. Because Japan is known as the “Land of Cherry Blossoms,” the flowers represent the Japanese people and notably the samurai.

Read More: What the Cherry Blossoms Can Teach Us About the Nature of Life

If you’re as excited for the cherry blossoms as we are, we highly recommend becoming a Garden member. Not only will you be able to make regular visits to see the progress of our cherry blossoms in person, you’ll be able to view them during exclusive hours, as well as enjoy a host of many other benefits and perks.

Shining on the sea
Dazzling sun shaking over
Hills of cherry bloom

Buson (1716-1784)