Cherry Blossom Time!

Sakura Sakura

Cherry blossoms, cherry blossoms,

On Meadow-hills and mountains

As far as you can see.

Is it a mist, or clouds?

Fragrant in the morning sun.

Cherry blossoms, cherry blossoms,

Flowers in full bloom.

Traditional Japanese Song

One of the most spectacular spring sights in Seattle is the University of Washington Quad, with its famous Yoshino cherry trees in bloom, which perfectly compliment the pink stone and brick Gothic architecture of the campus buildings.

We shoot there several times during the blossom season. This year, it has come early but lasted for weeks, due to the warm days and cool nights.

The trees are nearly at the end of their life span, but are such beloved icons that replacement trees are already being grown in a nursery in northern Washington.
When I was growing up, we spent several years living in a small coastal village in Japan. We loved participating in the many wonderful annual festivals there, and Hanami, the Cherry Blossom Festival, was always a highlight.

My favorite image of this year's shoots is this one, taken by David on March 6th:

Enjoy spring, wherever you are!