Sakura Watch April 28, 2021 - fences are down and blossoms are falling! With peak bloom now past, the cherry trees have only about 75% of blossoms remaining. Today was what I predicted would be the last day of the peak bloom, and with the rain, the last couple of days has definitely started the cherry blossom petals to fall from the trees. However, it must be noted that the amount of blossoms remaining on the trees is still significant to allow for a pleasant viewing in the days ahead, weather depending.

Also, today the City decided to take down the fencing throughout High Park and allow traffic to flow on weekdays. My late morning arrival in the overcast and rain and off weather saw only a few people adventurous enough to venture through the park. But not too long after, the sun had made different plans and turned the day into a beautiful one! 

Watch for my latest YouTube update (to be posted soon). Continue reading below for details on each section of High Park.

Sports fields

Starting in the sports fields, we see over 75% of the blossoms remain on the trees. The few people who did enter the park were happy to have the chance at seeing the might sakura trees up close and easily take photos with the rain-soaked branches heavily weighing toward the grounds. Blossom petals can be seen dotting the grasses.

Here are a few photos caught in this section today:

Along West Road

Now passing the scattered trees along West Road, these all had on average about 70% blossoms remaining. This includes the small set of larger trees near Cherry Hill, which still offered terrific close-up photos - just remember to please stay on the path as to not damage the surrounding vegetation.

Cherry Hill

Cherry Hill is now once again open and maintaining 75% of the bloom! People can walk down Cherry Lane or experience any of the trees all along the hillside and along Grenadier Pond. You can even sit on the bench and enjoy the live view of the same tree featured in the online live stream, which has now been turned off. More people began to enter the park with the sunshine and followed the rules to keep their distance and not crowd the trees.

Here are some photos of the trees in bloom on Cherry Hill:

Grenadier Pond (along the path, dock and steep hill)

The path along Grenadier Pond and the Maple Leaf Garden is also accessible to the public. These trees have on average 75% bloom remaining and include more vantage points by the dock and the steep hill further down.

Here are some photos captured by Grenadier Pond:

Jamie Bell Adventure Playground

Lastly, we come across the cherry trees between the High Park Zoo and the Jamie Bell Adventure Playground. The trees in this area are slower to open, so they are, in fact, in peak bloom at 90% open! Always late to bloom, expect these trees to keep open towards the end of the week.

Here are photos capturing here and along the road leading back up to Grenadier Café:

Rain and Windy Weather Will Shorten Bloom

Of course, with the weather again turning to more rain, cold and even possibly strong winds in the days ahead, the bloom percentages will diminish rather quickly, with much less to see likely this coming weekend. And we are all still in lockdown, and High Park remains a fantastic place to walk, run or bike through the park.

Even now, as the petals begin to fall, it's still an attractive bonus to enjoy while getting out for some fresh air and exercise. Experiencing the blossoms naturally fall as you make your way through the park can also be a wonderful experience all on its own!

Keep Park Visits Safe and Clean

Anytime you visit the park, it's essential to be safe and remember to follow these health guidelines. Social distance from others by keeping at least 2 meters or 6 feet apart, avoid public crowds or engaging in large gatherings, and if ever in doubt, protect yourself and others by wearing a mask that adequately covers your nose, mouth and chin.

And also, please respect the park and others when you are out. Dispose of your mask and other items in trash bins, or take them home instead of tossing them on the ground. This helps keep our parks clean and safe.

For more COVID-19 information

Every day we're seeing just how highly contagious this virus is and how it can infect both young and old alike. Even if you don't have the symptoms, you may still be carrying it and spreading it to your family and friends. Your best and only right option is to listen to the advice from our medical professionals.

City of Toronto - https://www.toronto.ca/COVID-19/

Health Canada - https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada.html

Remember to follow the advice from the health experts. Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, stay home (if you can), and if you absolutely need to go out in public, practice Social Distancing by keeping at least 2 meters or 6 feet apart from others.

Thank you all for visiting the site. Be careful, be safe, and watch for more updates soon.