The Cherry Trees

In Japan, cherry trees are intensely admired. When in bloom, people in Japan gather at parks for picnics and parties to enjoy the cherry blossoms.

In 1997, the city of Tondabayashi wished to give to the city of Bethlehem a gift of sixty cherry trees. Import restrictions, however, forbade transporting trees directly from Japan to the United States. In order to solve this problem, the city hired Bethlehem landscape designer Dee Kruschwitz. Ms. Kruschwitz sought American-bred cherry trees “with direct lineage to the trees of Japan .” In so doing, she chose 10 Snow Fountains, 20 Yoshinos and 30 Higan trees. The Higan trees deserve particular mention because they bloom in November, as well as in the traditional months. Ms. Kruschwitz also provided guidance as to the placement of the trees, which are accessible on a meandering walk around Center City Plaza.

We encourage you to come and see the beauty of our cherry trees during their peak blooming season in late March or early April.