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5 hours ago
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Name: Cherry blossom.
Age: Ornamental cherry trees belonging to the Prunus subgenus Cerasus generally flower in March and April, in the northern hemisphere at least.
So recently then? Correct. Like, right now.
Appearance: Ranging in colour from pure white to dark pink, delicate and gently scented. Think nature’s confetti.
I will, thank you. Very popular in Japan, isn’t it? Extremely – sakura, as cherry blossom is known there, is culturally significant. Communities come together for hanami (which means “flower viewing”), a festival where families and friends gather in parks and have picnics under the blooming trees. It’s a time to reflect on nature, the seasons, the passing of time.
And to massively cash in on tourism? Yes, though that has become contentious. One town, Fujiyoshida, actually cancelled its blossom festival this year, because of the stress that 10,000 snap-happy daily visitors was putting on its residents.
This isn’t just a Japanese thing, is it? Doesn’t Europe also have its sakura spots? Certain salubrious areas of west London are also popular, such as Notting Hill.
Excellent, I’m a big fan of the movie. I’ve got my selfie stick – so I’m off. But you won’t be alone, and you might not be welcome …
Go on … In recent years, hordes of influencers have been descending on the area, even queueing up in prime spots to get that floral backdrop.
And what do local people think of that? One anonymous resident described it as a “plague” to the Telegraph. Influencers and Instagrammers come with suitcases of clothes to change into. “It’s all just consumed – these trees and the environment, the buildings, are just consumed. It’s a sort of wanton feasting.”
That doesn’t sound much like reflecting on nature, the seasons, the passing of time. And on the sought-after street of Stanley Crescent, residents have hired a private security guard this year to control the crowds, and to stop them climbing on to walls and into gardens. Guess who else isn’t happy about it?
David Cameron? No. Well, maybe, but who knows? I mean some of the sakura chasers themselves. “Came to Notting Hill for the cherry blossom,” reads the caption on TikToker @angela__j’s video of a crowd near a splendid bloom by a white stucco mansion. “Looking for other recommendations because I can’t deal with the crowds.”
Have you got any other recommendations? No. Well, not for here, anyway …
Do say: “My nan’s got a cherry tree in her garden. We can take photos there, and then add Mount Fuji using AI.”
Don’t say: “The Notting Hill set can just escape to their second homes in the Cotswolds, like they do during carnival.”
