Cherry Blossom season at the Quad
You know it’s beginning of spring in Seattle when everyone is obsessed about cherry blossom. Partially because it’s a short period of time at the start of spring and nothing says more “spring in Seattle” than observing cherry blossom trees at the Quad of University of Washington. This year, I felt like there was a small window of time when I could see the cherry blossoms blooming, and when such a nice spring day came, I didn't hesitate for a moment to catch my perfect photo opportunity!
It is already part of my personal tradition to wait for the cherry blossoms to bloom every year at the beginning of spring. First of all, they are the cutest shade of pink and as we know - “pink goes with everything”. They are also undeniably the sign of winter coming to an end and let me tell you, after Seattle winter I am always ready for the change, warm weather and all the colors of the flowers. Why is this such a special event? The Quad at the University of Washington is famous for having the most beautiful cherry trees in all of Seattle.
Crowds come here every year to admire these unique trees. The 29 Yoshino cherry trees at the UW’s Quad are iconic part of the city. They even have their own Instagram account, merchandise and a festival, during which local businesses prepare special menus related to the festival. You can go to the U-District and, for example, buy a drink called Sakura chill or something called Cherry Blossom Yoghurt Smoothie.
A little history:
Yoshino cherry trees were not always at the Quad. What?! I know. They were first planted in the grove of Washington Park Arboretum. Just in early 1962, the University transplanted the trees to their current spot. The trees are 90 years old and some of them are actually dying and being replaced.
Tips and tricks, before you go:
check the UW Cherry Blossom Cam,
go earlier in the day,
take your tripod with you,
enjoy the views,
take noise-cancelling headphones.
And what is ONE positive side effect of meeting large crowds there, regardless of time of day? There will always be someone to take your photo! This year I went alone and I met many people who asked to take their photos. It was very easy to ask in return, "could you take a picture of me?" Et voilà! You have your perfect photo for the gram.
This year, I feel like I took advantage of my chance to visit the cherry blossoms at the University. I went there for a few hours, took a lunch and water with me and spent some time on the grass, enjoying the beauty of the trees surrounding me. I spent some time people watching and finding joy in the positive energy flowing from people enjoying this event, taking photos, coming there for photo sessions or to be there with their family. This time, knowing that there would definitely be crowds, I took noise-cancelling headphones with me and instead of worrying about someone getting into my frame, or that there was too much going on around me, I played soundtrack from The Lord of the Rings and let myself be carried away by the moment.
There is no fee to enter the university grounds, so anyone can visit it!
