Inspired by the Japanese tradition of ‘Hanami’, the National Trust is encouraging people to stop and appreciate the white and pink blooms that are popping up around us at this time of year.
Between March and May, the charity wants people to share their photos on social media with the hashtag #BlossomWatch as dedicated blossom events take place across the country.
Here’s where you can see some of the best displays of blossom at National Trust venues in Norfolk.
Blickling Estate
At the stately home near Aylsham, blossoms can be found throughout the blackthorn and hawthorn hedgerows.
The fruit trees in the walled garden and the magnolia trees in the west garden will also be in full bloom.
Visitors can explore spring themes within the house's collection until May 24, as well as follow a new swallow-themed family trail and make paper blossoms at an origami station.
Felbrigg Hall, Gardens and Estate
Tulips and cherry trees will be in bloom within the walled garden of Fellbrig Hall this spring.
Located near Cromer, the hall is one of East Anglia's most elegant country houses, with an estate comprising of 520 acres.
The fruit trees that line the walls will have apricot and peach blossoms in March, plums and pears in April and apples in May.
Sheringham Park
Flowering rhododendrons and azaleas are a favourite for visitors each year at Sheringham Park.
From late April to early June, climbing the gazebo tower will give an amazing view of the colourful canopy below.
Earlier in the spring, 15 magnolia varieties and some of the largest Pieris in the country can be spotted in bloom.
The park also has a ‘handkerchief tree’ which is named for its white leaves that appear to flutter like handkerchiefs in the breeze.
Norfolk Coast & Broads
While not the most obvious place to look for blossom, from March onwards blackthorn will be blossoming in the hedgerows between Morston and Stiffkey.
Hawthorn will bloom in May, marking the point at which the season changes from spring to summer.
Another place to see displays is at the orchard in Horsey Windpump where the bordering hedgerow provides a mixed blossom comprising of common buckthorn, guelder, hawthorn and field maple.
Oxburgh Estate
The National Trust has worked to re-establish the original orchard at Oxburgh Hall where visitors can find fruit trees from around East Anglia, including heritage varieties from Norfolk.
The peak time to see these trees blossom is late March through April when the orchard is also surrounded by a wildflower meadow.
As part of the Sakura Cherry Tree Project, the Japanese government donated over 20 cherry trees to the Oxburgh Estate.
The trees, which were planted in 2022, will blossom for the first time this spring.
In Japanese culture, the cherry blossom represents both new beginnings and the fragility of life.
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