Descanso Gardens’ Cherry Blossom Festival

Cherry Blossom Festival by Martha Benedict

Cherry Blossom Festival 2 by Martha Benedict

Descanso Gardens welcomes springtime with its annual Cherry Blossom Festival on Saturday and Sunday, March 12 and 13. This year’s celebration will feature entertainment, Japanese cuisine, origami and more. The festival will take advantage of the start of Daylight Saving Time that weekend with extended hours — from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 12, and 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 13.

The flowering of cherry trees signals the start of spring at Descanso Gardens. The botanic garden has 55 flowering cherry trees which represent 11 varieties. “We will be adding more to the grounds this year,” said plant specialist Jessica Wong. “Some of the featured varieties we have are the Yoshino cherry tree and ‘Kanzan’, which were two of the original varieties gifted to the U.S from Japan in 1912.”

Here is the event schedule. Times are for both Saturday and Sunday, unless noted:

Cherry Blossom Festival children’s crafts by Martha Benedict

• Cherry tree sale, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.: The Descanso Gift Shop will have beautiful flowering cherry trees for sale. Supply is limited and these tend to sell out early!
• Discovery Stations, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.: Learn more about flowering cherry trees and related plants at these exploration tables set up in the Center Circle and Japanese Garden.
• Camellia Lounge, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday; 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday: Patina will have tempura and sushi selections, as well as beverages and snacks, available for purchase.
• Origami, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.: Visitors can try the art of paper folding with help from experts.
• June Kuramoto performance, 1 to 2:30 p.m.: Ms. Kuramoto performs on the koto, the national instrument of Japan. A classically trained musician, she is a founding member of the Japanese American fusion ensemble Hiroshima.
• Shakuhachi in the Gardens, 3 to 5:30 p.m.: Enjoy the sounds of Japanese flute performed by musician George Abe as he walks through the Gardens.

About Descanso Gardens

Founded as a public garden in 1953, Descanso Gardens is located at 1418 Descanso Drive, La Cañada Flintridge. Descanso Gardens is open daily (closed Christmas) from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Admission is $9 for adults; $6 for seniors and students with a school I.D.; $4 for children 5 to 12, and free for ages 4 and younger.

Descanso Gardens is a member-supported garden accredited by the American Alliance of Museums. Join Descanso Gardens and enjoy free admission and early entry year-round. Information: (818) 949-4200 or descansogardens.org.