LET’S HAVE A HANAMI PARTY!

Saturday, April 19, 3:00-4:00 pm

Pearce Shelter, by Pearce Mill Road

Up on the hill from Boathouse parking

Dear Sakura friends,

I went to Washington DC to see their sakura blossom for the first time in 35 years on April 10.  Somei Yoshino, white with hint of pink, were in full bloom not only at the Tidal Basin, but also all over the capital area.  Some of the original trees, over 100 years old, are still going strong, but the National Arboretum, which grows Yoshino from suckers of original trees as well as many other varieties of sakura have been replacing dead trees and planting anew.

Our sakura in North Park usually bloom two weeks after DC’s.  At HANAMI, sakura viewing party, on Saturday, April 19, we will see some early blooms, such as crimson red okame and weeping cherries. Yoshino is budding. The beautiful pink doubled layered accolades on the hill toward the boathouse will be blooming soon. We predict our viewing season will lasts two weeks thanks to cooler temperatures and eight varieties compared to only one week in Washington DC. Come and take photos!

We will serve a Japanese sweet and a bowl of macha tea (suggested donation $3).  Gather your family and friends. Bring your picnic under the blossoms (no alcohol, due to County Park regulations).

Yoko Motoyama

What a day it was! The cold weather was good for tree planting, but the harsh wind made it hard for tents to stand. All 36 trees were done in almost two hours, thanks to diligent advance preparation and hard working volunteers! (Yoshino, a memorial tee, was not available. It will be planted when it arrives.)

The musicians from River City Brass Band, Mr. Suzuki (euphonium) and Pittsburgh Opera, Mr. Vera (trombone) played despite of the cold windy conditions. It was wonderful in the open air! They promised to play again for us in the future.

Thank you, everyone! I would like to give special thanks and apology to those who were working extra to fence the pine trees across the street due to the late arrival of the fence material, while the raffle drawing happened. But all tickets drawn were claimed by those waiting in front of the tent.

But here is another chance. More restaurant gift certificates will be given to three winners of the sakura photo contest. Deadline is May 5, 2014. One photo entry per person. Please email a jpg file to Sakura Jimukyoku <pgh_sakuraproject@msn.com>

With the raffle we raised just enough funds to cover insurance for the day. Fortunately, nobody was injured!

Whew, we have done it! I hope you can stop by and enjoy the beautiful cherry blossoms in a few weeks. Next planting day is November 8, 2014. I will announce when the time comes. Meanwhile watering days are coming. You will love these hot dry days! Be prepared.