A SIGN of friendship from the people of Japan has seen cherry trees planted in Evesham’s Abbey Park to mark Wychavon’s 50th anniversary.
Coun Robert Raphael, chairman of Wychavon District Council and town MP Nigel Huddleston, helped plant four trees on Friday (January 26) near the kiosk area.
Over the next two years, 60 cherry trees will be planted in Wychavon’s parks and open spaces. The Valley near Evesham is one of the sites to receive a donation.
The planting will consist of three tree varieties, with each one chosen for their symbolic significance.
The Beni Yutaka, a double flower with a pink blossom, has been planted as a sign of goodwill.
The Somei Yoshino is a single pale pink flower and the most popular cherry blossom in Japan. The Tai Haku is a single white flower and was extinct in Japan before being reintroduced by British plant collector Collingwood Ingram in 1932.
Another 24 cherry trees are due to arrive in November to mark the end of Wychavon’s anniversary celebrations. The final batch will arrive next November.
The idea to donate the trees followed a visit to the district last year by Japanese ambassador. His Excellency Hajime Hayashi helped launch The Valley’s Blossom River Cruise to support Wychavon’s blossom trail.
Japan is famous for its cherry blossom. It has a project to plant 6,500 cherry trees across the UK as lasting symbol of friendship between the two countries.
Coun Robert Raphael, chairman of Wychavon District Council, said:
“Planting these trees is a wonderful way to not only mark the friendship between our two countries but also the love of blossom Wychavon and Japan shares.
“It is even more special we have been able to do this in our 50th anniversary year and in time these trees will create an amazing spectacle every April and another reason for visiting our beautiful district.”
Wychavon was seen as a natural choice to take part in the project. The district boasts the best display of blossom in the world outside of Japan and America.
Nigel Huddleston, MP for Mid-Worcestershire, said:
“The cherry trees planted not only add to the beauty of Abbey Park in Evesham, but will provide a lasting legacy of two cultures coming together over their shared love of blossom.
“I extend my thanks to the Sakura Cherry Tree project and the Japanese people for this wonderful gift.”
