Sakura Watch April 29, 2023 - As rain falls, so do the cherry blossom petals. Here is what to expect to see this weekend. This is a preliminary post as I’m rushing to try and get a few other things done and the latest update, but I didn’t want to wait too late to post. I’ve now updated this page with the full video and photo collection, so keep reading.

Overall, the petals are falling slowly, and the trees will lose approximately 10-15% of their bloom each day starting Saturday, April 29. The rain and winds are the main factors, but so far, they are not too heavy, so there is still time to view the blossoms for those willing to brave the elements. Just pack an umbrella, dress warm and stay on the paved paths to avoid any muddy messes!

Watch the Youtube video update below.

Sports Fields - 80-90% of blossoms still visible

The first to bloom, the first to fall. The percentage of cherry blossoms still visible on the trees averages around 80-90%. There are definite signs of branches showing empty stems. Other branches are already heavily showing the leaves growing, eventually surpassing the blossom petals. However, with the ongoing rain, you will find muddy spots as all these trees are located right on the grassy fields, which are already becoming very saturated with water. So please be mindful of your shoes and the vegetation around the trees.

Cherry Hill - 85-95% of blossoms still visible

Always the star of the Hanami event every year, this amazing performance continues this weekend, which I’m sure will be awarded many glowing reviews across social media! Although blossom petals dot the grounds throughout, 85-95% of blossoms are still visible on the trees. No matter where you look, there is something to see from the top of the hill to the bottom of the winding path. Even better, you can enjoy this all while walking the paved walkway, freeing you from drudging through the muddy hillside. Enjoy these photos of Cherry Hill from today:

Grenadier Pond & Dock - 85-95% blossoms still visible

Walking along the path along Grenadier Pond is always a delight, and today was another lovely view of an average of 85-95% of blossoms still visible on the trees. Simply stunning are the words that first come to mind when I see the bright white blossoms contrast so sharply with the vibrant shades of greens, greys and browns from all the surrounding bushes, trees, grass and pond. Then the flowers themselves with the deep reds, purples and pink hues from their branches to their stems, and the inner ‘stars’ that make up every individual blossom. So yes, there is still plenty of beauty to see here!

Jamie Bell Playground & High Park Zoo - 90-95% of blossoms still visible

I couldn’t make it out this far today to see, but I can derive an estimate of 90-95% of blossoms visible based on social media posts and comparing them to other areas of the park. This area was already behind the bloom, so it’s safe to surmise that they are still holding on to their peak bloom florals better than the rest of the park for the weekend. But their gain will only last a few days, as the cool, rainy weather will also shorten the viewing time in the area.

Akebono, fugenzo and more

Want to see more? Take note that there are many other wonderful blooms to view in the coming weeks. This includes the other variety of cherry blossom trees that High Park has: the Akebono and Fugenzo trees. These are located at the bottom of Cherry Hill and near the dock by Grenadier Pond. These look different as they are larger, puffier, and more robust flowers, and they are beautiful to view in their own right. These will tend to bloom in early to mid-May, with this year expecting them to bloom later this week into the weekend.

And then, of course, don’t forget the wonderful collection of Magnolia trees that are now beginning to bloom, tulips, tiny violet rosebuds, and much more! High Park is truly a wonderful gift for Toronto to enjoy, and there is always something wonderful to explore, experience, and enjoy!

I’ll post more about this later this week, so stay tuned!

Do Your Part to Help the Trees from Damage

As much fun as it is to get up close to enjoy the cherry blossoms truly, there are some who take it a bit too far and cause damage to the tree that can lead to irreparable harm so the trees can not protect themselves from insects and disease and eventually die. This leaves us with less mature trees to enjoy, so please, if you really want to enjoy the blossoms for many years to come, you need to do your part to help protect the trees and prevent any harm to them:

Don’t pick or break off any blossoms
Don’t pull down, shake or break off the branches
Don’t climb, sit or stand on the trunks or branches - the mature trees are very old and not strong enough to support the weight and stress of people, even small children!
Don’t leave any litter IN or around the trees - it’s so sad to see people putting their garbage in the hollow trunks of the older trees, which invites animals and other insects to nest inside and cause internal damage.
DO take photos without harming the trees
DO enjoy the blossoms and respect their immediate surroundings
DO remember that respecting the trees from root to branch will help everyone to enjoy the blooming trees for many years to come

Donate to Support The Cherry Blossoms

The City of Toronto now accepts donations to help maintain existing trees and plant future ones. See this link for details.
Read more details and information on the City of Toronto - Cherry Blossom Website

Thank you all for visiting the site. Be careful, be safe, and watch for more updates soon.

Sakura Watch April 29, 2023 - As rain falls, so do the cherry blossom petals. Here is what to expect to see this weekend.