Maury and I have been looking for a way to convey our gratitude for your extraordinary tours of your extraordinary country.
Perhaps the history of Central Park’s cherry trees can help us express that gratitude. Below is a quote from Sarah Cedar Miller’s book, Seeing Central Park. Sarah is Central Park’s historian and photographer emerita. How fitting her book’s title to thank you for your in-depth introduction to Japan. You helped us SEE Japan rather than just look at it. Maury and I hope you enjoy the story.
“Nearly 2,500 Japanese cherry trees were given to Central Park and Riverside Park in 1912 as a gift from Japan to commemorate the Hudson-Fulton Centennial. The trees were lost in transit, and a new lot had to be gathered together from the nurseries in Japan. The second consignment comprised many rare varieties, and miraculously the journey of three months didn’t damage them.
One hundred and seventy-four Yoshino cherries were planted in the east side of the reservoir (they bloom in April), and 187 Kwanzan cherry trees (they blossom in May) were planted along the west side of the reservoir. These are two of the most outstanding groves of flowerng trees in the park."
Here is an excellent Central Park Conservancy map to the park’s cherry trees. Here you can see a detailed description of both the Yoshino and Kwanzan trees and other varieties in the park.
https://www.centralparknyc.org/cherry-blossoms
Maury and I will never forget our time with you.
Wishing you a happy, fulfilling and prosperous New Year. And if you find yourselves in New York, please do get in touch.
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Thank you very much for your message.
I hope both of you enjoyed a Wonderful New Year!
I really appreciate your kind review and the information of cherry blossoms in New York.
My dream is going to visit Metropolitan Museum in the future.
If my wife and I have an opportunity to go there, I will contact you!
Please give my best regards to Maury-san.
Sincerely Regards,
Nobuaki Nagata
