One of nature's most beautiful presentations of color is happening now at the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden.  A wave of delicate pink and white cherry blossoms on the Arboretum's 150 cherry blossom trees are bursting open, announcing their annual arrival and ushering in springtime. Many of the cherry trees were given as gifts to the Dallas Arboretum, including trees from Peggy B. Braecklein in honor of her parents, John R. and Thelma N. Black.  The blossoming takes place during Dallas Blooms with the theme, “Deep in the Hearts of Texans.”

Dave Forehand, Dallas Arboretum’s vice president of gardens, said, “The recent rain and cooler temperatures have enhanced the color and blossoms of the cherry trees as well as the rest of the garden. This is cherry blossom week, so you won’t want to miss seeing this annual occurrence.”

In Japan, cherry blossom time is known as Hanami, with parties held both night and day under the Sakura (cherry blossom trees) to celebrate this yearly occurrence and the delicate beauty of life. Hanami dates back to the Heian Period (794-1185) when the Imperial Court in Kyoto held flower-viewing parties beneath the blossoming cherry trees. The flowers were praised by poets as a metaphor for life, “beautiful yet fleeting.” 

Today, branches on many cherry trees at the Arboretum are overflowing with thousands of lacy blooms, and each tree only blooms once a year.  Throughout the world, cherry blossom time runs from late March to early May, depending on the climate and local weather conditions. 

Discounts:

Group discounts for 15 or more are available with advance registration by calling 214.515.6520. C.C. Young is the Senior Thursday sponsor, with discounted admission of $11 for seniors 65 and older and a 20% gift store discount. Tom Thumb is also selling discount tickets for $1 off the regular price. BOGO Wednesdays, which are buy one get one free admission, are available at the ticket booth only, with a limit of one purchase per person.

For more information, call 214.515.6500 or visit www.dallasarboretum.org

About the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden:

The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens is located on the southeastern shore of White Rock Lake at 8525 Garland Road, Dallas, Texas 75218.  The Dallas Arboretum is also the home of the internationally acclaimed Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden. The Arboretum is open daily from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. General admission is $15 for adults, $12 for seniors 65 and older, $10 for children 3-12 and free for Arboretum members and children two and under. There is an additional cost of $3 per person for entrance into the Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden. On-site parking is $15; pre-purchased online parking is $8. The Dallas Morning News is the principal partner of the Dallas Arboretum.  The Arboretum is supported, in part, by funds from the Dallas Park and Recreation Department.  WFAA is an official media sponsor for the Dallas Arboretum.

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