Sakura Watch, May 9, 2019 - Cherry blossoms near 25% of overall bloom
Sakura Watch, May 9, 2019 - Cherry blossoms near 25% of overall bloom as seen in today’s visit to High Park. It’s been a few days since my last visit and was greeted with yet more cold wind! At least that didn’t last too long as the sun began to peek out, and I could enjoy seeing the progress the sakura trees have made.
Watch the latest YouTube update below:
Radio Interview with Christine Ross for Classical FM
My visit began with a fantastic interview with Christine Ross, a news reporter with Classical FM in Toronto. Was hoping the rain would hold off, and it did even better once the sun began to come out and help have an enjoyable chat about the cherry blossoms. Her story can be read and listened to here. Thanks Christine!
Today High Park is at 25% of overall bloom
The trees overall were showing varying degrees of open blossoms. Some locations saw trees with nearly half of their flowers open, while the tree right next to it had barely started. It is normal to see this at such an early stage, but I also believe the roller coaster weather patterns of the last few weeks have contributed to the state of the trees.
Now to understand the difference between partial bloom, or only one quarter (25%) in comparison to full peak bloom, see the photos in the gallery. You will see trees with open blossoms but also find them surrounded by many unopened blossoms. Here’s my photo gallery from today:
Rain forecast, Peak Bloom dates unchanged
Though we do have more rain in the forecast over the next couple days and even on Mother’s Day. The threat of heavy rains and winds means there is a possibility they could knock down any opened cherry blossoms. If this happens, it could possibly diminish the look of fullness throughout the trees. But seeing how well the trees stood up to the winds today, there may be good odds they’ll be fine.
If the rain is persistent, and we don’t get the sun promised, then that could see the trees hit the coveted 70% full point toward the latter half of the predicted peak bloom dates which I still predict will occur between May 10-15th.
Watch for more updates in the next few days as I’ll be keeping a tighter watch on the progress - stay tuned!
Reminder - Road Closures During Cherry Blossom Season
For those who haven’t already heard, starting Saturday May 4th, at 7 a.m., High Park will prohibit any vehicle form entering the Park (see my special report about the ban and my Maps & Directions for alternative options). TTC Wheel-Trans will be the ONLY exception - no one else will be allowed to drive into the park until the cherry blossom season ends. The City will announce when the park will re-open to vehicular traffic.
So you’re only options are to walk, bike or take TTC. I know and understand that there are some people who will be impacted by this, and this is the first year the City has done this, so there will inevitably be some lessons learned. In the meantime, they do encourage those that there are 14 other locations throughout the city that people can experience the park without any vehicle bans or crowds as large as High Park is expected to have.