04/05/16, Morris Arboretum’s Japanese Cherry Blossom Festival


Celebrate Japanese art and culture with an assortment of family activities including the Kyo Daiko Drumming Crew (at left) at the Morris Arboretum, located at 100 East Northwestern Avenue in the Chestnut Hill section of Philadelphia.	Enjoy the 35 varieties of cherry trees that grace the Arboretum with their blossoms each spring. The 92-acre horticulture display garden features a spectacular collection of mature trees in a beautiful and colorful landscape. The Arboretum is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is also the official arboretum of Pennsylvania.

This spring, the Morris Arboretum will once again host its annual Japanese Cherry Blossom Celebration, in partnership with the Subaru Cherry Blossom Festival of Greater Philadelphia. The Subaru Cherry Blossom Festival is an initiative of the Japan America Society of Greater Philadelphia with the goal of fostering a better understanding of the cultural, social and educational customs of Japan in the United States.

In the early 20th century, John and Lydia Morris (founders of the Morris Arboretum) established one of the finest collections of Japanese plants and gardens in the region at their home, Compton, which would later become the Morris Arboretum. To commemorate this heritage, the Morris Arboretum will celebrate the Japanese Cherry Blossom Festival with a variety of activities this April. The events are for both children and adults, and will celebrate the art, culture and gardens inspired by the 35 varieties of cherry trees that grace the Arboretum with their blossoms each spring.

With the early spring this year, as Punxsutawney Phil predicted, many Yoshino cherries may be at the end of their bloom period during the celebration. However, the Arboretum’s vast cherry collection includes trees with varying bloom times, and their season can last up to three weeks. This should ensure that Arboretum visitors will enjoy flowering cherries during the festival.

During two weekends in April—Saturday, April 9 and Saturday, April 16—the Morris Arboretum will mark this unique aspect of Japan’s rich culture and heritage. Experience the beauty of Morris Arboretum’s cherry tree collection in bloom. Both Saturdays will feature traditional Japanese cultural activities including:

Cherry Walk, 10:15 a.m. and 12:15 p.m.; meet at Garden Rail Entrance. Visitors are invited to discover and appreciate the variety of cherry species planted throughout the Arboretum. This 45-minute walk will be led by an Arboretum expert. Limited space.

Kyo Daiko Drumming Crew, 10:30 a.m. and noon; HaHa Wall. Taiko drumming has been practiced in Japan for hundreds of years at festivals and battles and as a means of communication over long distances. A combination of choreography and drumming, taiko drumming is physically demanding and visually compelling. Kyo Daiko, under the sponsorship of Shofuso Japanese House and Garden, is a community-based taiko drumming group offering classes in the Wynnefield section of Philadelphia.

Japanese Elements Tours, 2-3 p.m.; meet at Garden Rail entrance. Led by an Arboretum docent, this tour will highlight the Arboretum’s Japanese style gardens.

Traditional Japanese Tea Demonstration, 1 p.m.; HaHa Wall (rain location: Upper Gallery). The picnic tea or Chabako is a beautiful and unique form of the Japanese Tea Ceremony. Featuring traditional costumes and designed to be done outdoors, there are four distinct presentations, one for each of the seasons. Weather permitting, this demonstration will be outside.

Kimono Dressing Demonstration, 11 a.m.; Upper Gallery. Young and old alike will delight in the beautiful kimonos exhibited by Fumiyo Batta. Since 1998, Mrs. Batta has given numerous classes, demonstrations and seminars on the art of kimono, traditional Japanese attire. As an extensive collector of kimonos, she will talk about the history of the kimono and demonstrate how to wear them. Participation from the audience will be welcomed.

Origami Workshops, 1 p.m. and 2 p.m.; Upper Gallery. Learn how to make an origami crane under the tutelage of local resident and Japanese native Yuki Flores. This art form of paper folding has been practiced for centuries and has become a lasting symbol of traditional Japanese culture.

All events are free with regular admission. For more information about any of these events, please call (215) 247-5777 or visit Morris Arboretum online at www.morrisarboretum.org