It’s that time of year again when the cherry trees are in blossom in Branch Brook Park in Newark. Last year the trees were early and we were late to the party. This year I think we planned it at peak bloom time but the weather was not very nice. We went on Friday which was predicted to be mostly sunny, but it turned out to be mostly cloudy with a chilly wind. We knew that Saturday it was supposed to rain heavily (we ended up with 3.71 inches here at our house!) and be windy so we were worried that the trees would lose their blossoms after that. So, Friday it was!

We headed off in Mia, but with the top up in hopes that the day would turn warmer and sunnier.

The trees were absolutely beautiful. Everywhere you looked people gathered underneath them to bask in their glory, rapt looks of wonder on their faces turned upwards to the blossoms.

 

My photos would have been better with a nice blue sky as a backdrop to the blossoms but that was just not to be, so I had to make the best of the situation and just enjoy the day for what it was. (Even if my fingers were turning blue!) I hope you enjoy them. One thing is for certain: cherry trees come in all colors and all shapes and sizes.

 

 

 

 

 

A bird’s nest on the lower branch of a tree. What a lovely place for a home!

On one of the old bridges.

Some trees just seemed to have an inner glow about them.

 

A closer look at some blossoms.

 

The different shapes of the branches and how the tree has grown over the years is a source of fascination for me.

This particular tree was huge. And beautiful. I had to take it’s image from several different perspectives. From the front:

Underneath:

After passing it by:

I think you’ll agree it was worthy of all three shots. And, did you notice the woman in the distance with her easel in the “in front” shot?

I had to take a closer shot of her paints. So tidy! (Of course I asked her permission before photographing her painting.)

The Catholic Cathedral of the Sacred Heart as seen four different ways! I couldn’t decide which photo to use. Which one is your favorite view of the church including the cherry trees?

 

 

 

Just as we were leaving the park at around 3:00 p.m. the sun finally peeked through the clouds. Of course. We even got to put the top down on Mia on the drive home. Maybe next year we can hit peak blooming season and perfect weather all rolled into one!

Maybe I can come for a visit at cherry blossom time next year!  I love the second shot of the cathedral with all the blossoms and the spire just peeking through!

Oh man…those are some pretty blossoms!  I would love to see that in person.  Wow…thanks for taking me along…next best thing to being there.  As for the church photos…they all had something different to offer…I really liked them all but if I had to pick one…think it would be #3

Carolyn, well it’s hard to predict the exact blooming time, but you are welcome at any time! You picked the same photo as my sister ... #2, even though she just told me over the phone when I talked to her today.

Debra, it is awesome!! You picked my favorite of the church photos ... #3. For the middle of Newark which most people consider really the worst part of NJ, it is a beautiful park.

I love your photos! I took photos last year at Branch Brook and I got a huge boost in viewers (and many comments)! Your photos are much better. (I really love the cathedral shot—Newark has beautiful areas, too). I also came after the peak of the season.

These were my photos:

http://www.newjerseymemories.com/search/label/cherry blossoms

I plan to improve my photography this year! I have a lot to learn!

Do your link your your photos on the extremely popular Wordless Wednesday? You must! When you type in your name, make sure to add “Cherry Blossoms” as in “New” Jersey Girl—Cherry Blossoms. I guarantee you they will be very popular! And you can visit other blog with fabulous photos! You should link your garden center photos, too!

Link here: http://www.wordlesswednesday.com/newhome/

Hi New Jersey Memories! Yes, I remember your photos last year. In fact I think that’s how we found each other! I’m not sure about linking .... I get so many spam comments now as it it I don’t want to encourage any more! Thank tho, I’ll look into it.

Great pics!  I went on Sunday and it was pretty nice weather.  I have a few more pics that I’ll put up on my site later this week.  Funny how a lot of people don’t realize we have such a place here in our New Jersey. 

~Melissa

Hello Melissa and welcome! Thank you! We were afraid the blossoms would be gone after the heavy rain. I guess we should have gone on Sunday instead!

Absolutely beautiful! Thanks so much for sharing all those pictures! They are wonderful! Must be amazing in person.

Hi Jess! You are most welcome! Good to see you here again!

I don’t think I’ve ever gotten spam from Wordless Wednesday. Anyway, the photos are gorgeous! They need to be seen!

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