Cherry Blossom in the Bush

Blossom in the Bush

Some years ago I lived for a time in Japan, and experienced the annual festival of Hanami, the Japanese celebration of Cherry blossom.  

The citizens of Tokyo gather every year in the gardens of the Imperial Palace to experience the blossom filtering the sunlight and gently falling on the grass. 

We may not have any palaces in Shepherd's Bush, but we have many cherry trees, and at this time of year our streets become a riot of white and pink blossom, as the cherry trees come into bloom. 

Tree Planting in the Bush
In our street, the blossom comes courtesy of one of the unsung heroes of our local Council - Mark Waters - who organises the planting of trees throughout our Borough. 

Mark works with local residents' associations such as our own, planting new trees, replacing dead ones, and helping to make the Bush more beautiful, one tree at at time.  

The Shepherd's Bush Blog offers a personal view on life in Shepherd's Bush. If you would like to contribute a story about our neighbourhood, email us at shepherdsbushblog(at)gmail.com