Ahead of Earth Day later this month, the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh today (Wednesday, April 1) celebrated world leading collaborations in plant science and horticulture with Japan through the planting of a young cherry tree (Prunus x yedoensis) by the Consul General of Japan, Mr Katsutoshi Takeda, on behalf of the people of Japan.
Donated by the Sakura Cherry Tree Project, the sapling is one of 10 plants to be planted along Sakura Brae -a scenic avenue of cherry trees, currently in full blossom. Representing three separate species (Prunus x yedoensis, Prunus ‘Tai-haku’ and Prunus ‘Beni Yutaka’), as the trees mature, they will create an even more spectacular canopy of white and pink blossom each spring, creating a new focal point for visitors.
A further 38 trees will be sent to two of the other three gardens that make up the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh – namely Benmore Botanic Garden in Argyll and Dawyck Botanic Garden in the Scottish Borders.
Dr Julia Knights, Regius Keeper of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh said: “At a time when global collaboration is more important than ever, these stunning cherry trees, donated by the Sakura Cherry Tree Project, symbolise the power of plant diplomacy, and celebrate our strong partnerships in plant science and conservation horticulture with our partners in Japan.
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Mr Katsutoshi Takeda, Head of Mission at the Consulate General of Japan added: “I am delighted ten new Sakura cherry trees are being planted at RBGE as part of the Sakura Cherry Tree Project which has seen over 8000 Japanese cherry trees planted in the UK. These trees are a symbol of the deep-rooted friendship between Japan and the UK, and it gives me great pleasure to know that their beautiful blossom will be enjoyed by visitors to the garden for many years to come”.
Launched in 2019 by Keisaku Sandy Sano, Chairman of the Sakura Cherry Tree Project, the programme initially intended to distribute 1,000 trees across the four nations of the UK. After captivating the public’s imagination, the target was quickly surpassed, with more than 8,000 specimens now planted and an ambitious new goal of 10,000 trees set.
The trees have been donated by Japanese businesses and individuals to symbolise the enduring friendship between Japan and the UK, creating a wave of cherry blossom from the Orkneys to Cornwall. Sakura Brae is named after the Japanese word for cherry blossom.
