Cherry Blossom II

On Wednesday I went to the American Museum for lunch with my mum. Unfortunately it rained so we didn't get to walk around the grounds very much, but it was still an enjoyable visit. The American Museum is such a beautiful place, though I must confess I go there for the beautiful gardens, incredible views, tasty homemade pizza in their café, and quaint gift shops, rather than the actual museum part.

There were some pretty bluebells in the woods along the path to the Museum. I would love to go for a walk in a bluebell wood, I must try to before they all go over.

The view from the Museum grounds is spectacular! Looking out over the valley between Bath and Bradford On Avon. But the biggest reason I wanted to visit is the divine pink cherry blossom. I love cherry blossom in any shape or form, but the deliciously pink blooms are my favourite. The falling petals had carpeted the ground, like a dusting of pink sugar.

There were still plenty attached to the branches though. These ones are such a girly pink, I just adore them. I think they might be Kwanzan cherry trees, but I'm not sure.

This photo may well be my favourite out of all the photos I have ever taken. The perfection of that soft pink blossom, the clear light just after it has rained, the leaves framing the flowers, all combined in a wonderful moment of serendipity.

I love the contrast between the branches and the sky. In a way I wish cherry blossom lasted all year round, but then if it wasn't so fleeting it wouldn't be so beautiful and precious. The Japanese certainly got it right with wabi sabi and mono no aware.