Japanese people greet the arrival of spring with the festival of Sakura and special trips to see cherry blossom. Celebrate spring bluebells, tulips, cherry blossom and rhododendron with our Norfolk Sakura.
CHERRY ORCHARD AT OXBURGH
Waves of blossom are washing across the orchard at the National Trust’s Oxburgh estate. Alongside the traditional Norfolk apple, pear, medlar and quince trees, with their delicate pink-tinged white flowers are more than 20 Japanese cherry trees. Even after the blossom has budded and bloomed it is still beautiful as it falls and paints the ground pink.
In Japan cherry blossom represents a new beginning and the fragility of life. The Oxburgh trees were given by the Japanese government as part of its Sakura Cherry Tree Project
The orchard is surrounded by a wildflower meadow, bubbling with spring colour, and the hawthorn and blackthorn hedges along the woodland walks are heavy with flowers too.
BLUEBELLS AT FOXLEY
In April ancient woodland glades across Norfolk shimmer with drifts of bluebells, which grow best in dappled shade. See massed displays of bluebells in Norfolk’s largest ancient woodland at the Norfolk Wildlife Trust reserve at Foxley Wood, near Reepham.
Enjoy the soft pinks and whites of magnificent magnolia trees in Blickling’s West Garden. The recently restored walled garden also includes a spectacular display of blossom from 150 plum, cherry, apple and pear trees.
Celebrate Blossom Weekend at Blickling from April 25-28 with poetry and music in the gardens and origami blossom crafts. The National Trust hall will also have spring-themed displays inside until May 2.
RHODODENDRONS AT SHERINGHAM PARK
Rhododendrons and azaleas have coloured Sheringham Park pink, purple, red, orange and yellow from late April until early June since the mid-19th century. Visitors can marvel at the canopy from the gazebo tower and explore the paths winding through the gardens, which also have 15 varieties of magnolia.
The tulip fields of the Netherlands are world famous – but West Norfolk puts on its own colourful displays every spring. Fields are transformed into dazzling geometric pictures as the bulbs bloom, and every year Norfolk Tulips opens the fields for a few precious days – selling tickets to raise money for The Norfolk Hospice, Tapping House, in Hillington near King’s Lynn.
Last year they raised more than £140,000 for the hospice. The viewing dates are usually announced a couple of weeks in advance and tickets sell out fast – more information at norfolktulips.co.uk or on the Norfolk Tulips Facebook page.
