AS Tatton Park's gardens gear up to welcome back visitors, more than 40 cherry trees have been planted in the grounds as part of a new project.
Once the gardens reopen on Monday, people will be able to spot the Sakura Cherry Tree Project which marks 150 years of Japan-UK friendship.
Every year, as blossom appears on sakura (Japanese for ‘cherry tree’), the Japanese people celebrate the arrival of spring and follow the ‘wave’ of blossom trees as they come into flower across the country.
The Sakura Project invited hundreds of venues to take part by planting cherry trees as a symbol of the cultural link between the UK and Japan.
When the opportunity came for Tatton Park to be a planting site, head gardener, Simon Tetlow, jumped at the chance to take part in this initiative.
Head gardener Simon Tetlow stands in the Japanese Garden as he prepares for the return of visitors to Tatton's gardens. PA IMAGES/Martin Rickett
He said: "This project is a wonderful opportunity for us to learn more about the Japanese celebration of ‘sakura’.
"By planting dozens of new cherry trees in Tatton Park’s gardens, we’ve been able to create our own Spring Cherry Walk, which I hope visitors will enjoy for years to come.
"When the blossom comes, it will be a wonderful place to experience the hope and optimism of spring, as well as celebrate our special friendship with Japan."
Simon and his team have arranged the plantings so that each spring, a ‘drift’ of cherry blossom takes you from the Pinetum, past the Japanese Garden and on to the Choragic Monument as you follow the Spring Cherry Walk.
Tatton Park in spring
Three different types of cherry have been planted - Tai Haku which has white flowers, Beni Yutaka which has pink flowers and Yedoensis which has white or blush pink blossom.
Tickets to visit Tatton Park can now be booked online at tattonpark.org.uk.
People should refer to the latest government guidance regarding travel and staying local.
Social distancing and limited ticket capacity are still in place.
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