Each spring, as the days start to lengthen, delicate fluffy clouds of blossom appear on native woodland and hedgerow trees around the UK. These colourful flowers provide food for pollinating insects which you can spot buzzing around as the days start to get warmer.
#BlossomWatch, the National Trust’s yearly celebration of the blossom season is back for 2022, with thousands expected to capture the joy of seeing trees and hedgerows burst into bloom.
In Japan ‘Hanami’, or ‘flower viewing’, is all about enjoying the fleeting beauty of blossom trees as they come into bloom. Emulating Hanami, the conservation charity is encouraging everyone to take a moment to enjoy the fleeting beauty of blossom.
Using #BlossomWatch the National Trust is asking people to share their blossom images on social media, with the hope that the joyful sight of blush-tinted blooms will lift spirits and enable everyone to celebrate nature together. To get you started, here are the top 5 places to see blossom right here in London, each place providing a stunning backdrop to your springtime visit.
1. Fenton House
Apple blossom: From April to May 27 different varieties of apple tree burst into flower at Fenton House in the 300-year-old orchard. The blossom is pink when the flowers first bloom, fading to white as the season progresses.
Cherry blossom: From mid-April the avenue of upright cherry trees that line the path of South Walk (in the front garden) explodes into life with a profusion of playful, fluffy pink flowers leading down to the ornate Golden Gate. These trees are called prunus “Amanogawa” which means Milky Way in Japanese. In addition to the flowering upright cherries in this area, a cherry tree has been newly planted to take pride of place at the front of the house. This tree, Prunus yedoensis ‘Somei Yoshino’, was donated through the Sakura Cherry Tree Project which is an external project marking 150 years of friendship between Japan and the UK and is part of the Japan – UK Seasons of Culture that took place in 2019-2020. Around 6,500 cherry trees were donated to gardens and parks around the UK and Fenton Garden was one of the lucky recipients.
How to visit: Fenton House and Garden is open on Saturdays, Sundays and on bank holidays. All visitors will need to pre-book their visit. Members can book for free, while non-members will need to pay when booking.
2. Ham House
Fruit tree blossom: With an orchard of apricot, cherry, plum, apple, pear and peach trees, the blossom at Ham House is always a beautiful cloud of colour. Historical records show that there’s been an orchard on site since at least 1609, so these are tree are similar to those that owners of the house in days gone by would have enjoyed.
Brand new blossom trees: This year there will be even more fruit tree blossom in the garden at Ham House. The planting of over 100 pear trees and 300 flowering trees has been completed as part of a new edible hedge. This was part of a project kindly supported by Jo Malone London, who funded the trees.
How to visit: the garden at Ham House is open every day from 10am – 4pm
3. Morden Hall Park
Horse chestnut, hawthorn and blackthorn: From mid to late May the horse chestnut trees blossom into shades of brilliant white, with snow-like flowers lining the avenues. The hedgerows and path in the North Park look spectacular lined with hawthorn and blackthorn blossom
Apple, pear and cherry blossom: There are fruit trees dotted all over the park, for you to enjoy their blossom from late April. Visit the mini orchard outside the Stableyard to see Merton variety fruit trees in bloom, then head over to the Rose Garden, where you’ll find our spectacular Prunus ‘Tai Haku’ ‘Great White Cherry’, as well as a few other types of fruit blossom
Crab apple blossom: This year 45 Malus ‘Evereste’ ornamental crab apple trees were planted in Bunce’s Meadow, along the sides of the TFL cycle route, along the river. It’s hoped that they will produce blossom in spring 2022. The buds emerge as bright pink or red, before fading to light pink, and finally opening to large sweetly scented pure white flowers
How to visit: the car park is open every day from 9am – 5pm. All visitors receive 1.5 hours of free parking. Beyond that, National Trust members park for free, while there’s an hourly charge for non-members.
4. Osterley Park and House
Cherry blossom: Spot iconic Prunus ‘Tai Haku’ ‘Great White Cherry’ in the Winter Garden and near the Temple of Pan with its pale white petals making a beautiful backdrop to your visit
Fruit blossom: Plum, pear & apple blossom appears too from April, attracting bees busily collecting pollen
Wisteria: Later in the year a spectacular 138 long wisteria covers a wall on the south side of the mansion, with its beautiful lilac petals splashing the house with colour
How to visit: the garden is open daily 10am-4pm with last entry at 3pm.
5. Rainham Hall
Fruit blossom: Blossom will start to appear at Rainham Hall Community Gardens in April as the developing orchard starts to explode in tiny flowers. Apple, pear, plums and cherries all begin to blossom, along with some extraordinary older fruiting trees, including quince, fig and a sprawling mulberry tree
How to visit: the garden is open every day 11am-4pm.
