This spring, the Morris Arboretum will once again host its annual Japanese Cherry Blossom Days, 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 his sister, 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, Morris Arboretum celebrates Japanese Cherry Blossom Days on Saturday, April 13 and Saturday, April 20, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., with a variety of activities, all included with garden admission. The events are for children and adults, and will celebrate the art, culture and gardens inspired by the more than 35 varieties of cherry trees that grace the Arboretum with their blossoms each spring.

Cherries should be in flower this year during these events. Although hard to define, the full bloom is usually based on when 70 percent of the Yoshino cherry (Prunus × yedoensis) blossoms are open. Two groups in Washington, DC, study the weather extensively to predict the blooming period: The National Park Service, (www.nps.gov) and the National Cherry Blossom Festival (www.nationalcherryblossomfestival.org). Philadelphia Yoshino cherries flower about one week to 10 days after those in Washington, DC; expect bloom time to be somewhere around April 10-16. Also, the Morris Arboretum has more than just Yoshino cherries, so there is always more to see.

For a detailed list of activities, visit Morris Arboretum online at www.morrisarboretum.org or call (215) 247-5777.