Taking a few minutes to appreciate what’s on our doorsteps.
I can’t say why, but I don’t think I’ve ever really appreciated the variety of blossom to be seen locally in spring. And it’s all to be enjoyed without having to go anywhere exotic to find it.
Below and in the associated gallery on the RG4 site (‘The Relief Of Spring’) I’ve tried to capture just some of what’s to be easily found in Caversham.
The Japanese are famous for celebrating cherry blossom, which is abundant there. They have festivals to celebrate it and I read recently that some of their weather forecasts include when it might first come out. You might think that’s over the top, but when you appreciate what’s to be found in England with its more modest displays, I can perhaps see why.
Of course, nothing lasts for ever – blossom included. It only lasts a couple of weeks or so. I gather that in Japan it’s symbolic of the impermanence of beauty. And that’s not a bad thing to be aware of. Enjoy it and value it while you can.
