Sakura Watch May 8, 2021 - Mother's Day weekend sees the last cherry blossoms at only 15% in High Park. The cherry blossom season for 2021 is nearing the end, and my latest visit reveals how little of the bloom remains on the trees. Overall this was a great year for the bloom, and we were lucky enough to still be able to go out to the park and experience them, if even only from a distance. But for anyone wanting to venture out this Mother’s Day for a walk through the park, there is still one area that may have some photo-worthy trees to enjoy - read on below.

Watch for my latest YouTube update or continue reading below for details on each section of High Park.

Sports fields - 15%

Starting in the sports fields, only about 15% of the blossoms remain on the trees. Although this area has one tree toward the end of the rows of trees with a good amount of blossoms left to enjoy, all the other trees have dropped most of their petals with only a few scattered clusters left to see. Most of what is left behind are the red-stemmed branches with a few blossoms scattered throughout.

Cherry Hill - 15%

Cherry Hill also has only an average of about 15% of its remaining bloom. Nearly all the trees down the winding path and along the grassy hillside have dropped their petals and have begun to grow leaves in their place. A couple of small trees at the top and bottom of the hill are the only hold-outs in this area.

The neighbouring Magnolias are the new show-stoppers with their beautiful full blooms near the top corner of the hill. You can also still see the bright yellow forsythia near the base of the hill toward Grenadier Pond.

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

Grenadier Pond (along the path, dock and steep hill) - 15%

Walking along Grenadier Pond, you will find only about 15% of the remaining blooms left on the trees. Though most of the trees have lost their delicate cherry blossoms, you’ll be able to discover scattered bloom clusters hidden among the leaves.

In these areas, you will also find some Akebono trees by the Maple Leaf garden and near the dock that are just starting to show their first blooms! Though fewer in number compared to the other cherry blossoms, this variety tends to peak 2-3 weeks later than the other more well-known cherry blossoms. We’ll have to wait for the late bloomers in this area to make their mark in the coming weeks.

Here are some photos captured by Grenadier Pond:

Jamie Bell Adventure Playground - 25%

The best spot to catch the last cherry blossoms is near the Jamie Bell Adventure Playground, where over 25% of bloom remains on the trees. Looking to the right of the playground, follow the stone walls that line the duck pond to guide you to the cherry trees currently with the most bloom in High Park. This small grove of cherry trees is still quite beautiful and has enough of a bloom ratio to still offer an appealing spot to take in blossoms one last time this season.

The trees to the left of the playground have nearly dropped all of their petals and have only a few blossoming clusters left to see here and there.

More Blossoms and Beauty to Enjoy

For those who decide to celebrate this year’s Mother's Day with a walk through the park should note that although there are only a few cherry blossoms left to see, there is plenty more natural beauty to enjoy throughout High Park! Besides the magnolias, there are plenty of areas to see tulips in bright yellows and deep purple hues.

Speaking of purple, some gorgeous crab apple trees are also in bloom (I have one in from of my home and I love it!) with rich pink and purple colours and large petaled flowers that are truly a sight to see! And of course, plenty of wildlife from geese to ducks and swans to chipmunks and squirrels are all out and about and wonderful reminders of just how lucky we are to have a forested refuge in the heart of the city.

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

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