Sunshine Coast/Gulf Islands

Yes, ‘Akebono’

They are blooming at IGA parking lot now, too.
Fewer incidents there

 

Park Road just north of Gibsons Way intersection —

and also on south side Gibsons Way (entrance to curling rink)

lots of pretty trees - maybe 6 … more Akebono ?

 

Yes, last two postings are 'Akebono'.

 

Nice location for Hanami at Sechelt Visitor Centre.

Thirteen ‘Shirofugen’ planted here 15 years ago.
Starting to bloom now. Should be good for a week or two.

 

Another nice spot for Hanami :
At the Winegarten in Gibsons. One ‘Shirotae’ blooming now and one ‘Shirofugen’ to follow (no flowers open yet).

 

That's a little ahead of the West End! Not by much, though.

 

Two years ago the two ‘Shirotae’ at Tuwanek were doing just fine. See post #126.
I was not prepared for what I saw there today.

The first tree, which was in “very fine condition” is completely dead now, but still standing.




The second tree which was “hanging in there, with the help of Canada Post” has been severely amputated. Looks dead.
However, there are signs of life coming up from it’s roots. And they are actually little stems, with ‘Shirotae’ flowers. A root is visible on the surface 10 feet away from the amputee. The root appears to have been wrapped in black plastic.
Does this mean the rootstock was ‘Shirotae’?
I’m confused.

 

I don't think it's called "rootstock" when it's on its own roots. That just means it was probably not grafted, though I think that a tree that is low grafted can create its own roots around the rootstock, like a cutting does when you put it in soil. So it looks like 'Shirotae' suckers as badly as mazzard cherry does. I don't think I've seen that before. I assume the plastic stuff was put down under the bark mulch to prevent weeds growing (?), but it didn't stop the suckers from getting through. And how does water get to the roots then? Or they were trying to kill the roots?

 

The black plastic has a lot of gaps in it. Looks old, and water can definitely get through.
There may be hope for the Canada Post ‘Shirotae’.

But the other one is “deader than a doornail”.

 

Healthy ‘Kiku-shidare-zakura’ blooming now on Sunset Place, south of Harry Rd.

 

Hanami with my neighbour Joy at Sechelt Visitor Centre. ‘Shirofugen’ just keep getting better and better.

 

‘Shirotae’ on Eaglecrest and Oceanmount has maxed itself out.

 

Two young ‘Shirotae’, both on birch bark cherry rootstock.
On Chaster, west of King.

 

Lone ‘Shirofugen’ blooming now at Gibsons Town Hall.
Photos taken May 3, 2023

 

Another loner - one ‘Shirotae’ at the west side of London Drugs in Gibsons. Seems to be a late bloomer. Photos taken May 3, 2023.

 

These ‘Kanzan’ were heavily pruned last fall.
Oh well…..

 

Makes for a really nice reflection photo.

 

After reading Wendy’s note comparing ‘Shirofugen’ to ‘Kiku-zakura’ I was inspired to view the two ‘Shirofugen’ trees at Franklin and Cochrane in Gibsons today.
I am not aware of any ‘Kiku-zakura’ on the Sunshine Coast. I was lucky enough to view the Grandview-Woodland trees in Vancouver earlier this month.





The ‘Shirofugen’ may outlast the snow on Mt. Elphinstone this year.

 

Here’s another one.
On Gibsons Way and Venture Way.
This ‘Shirofugen’ has not developed its lateral growth habit (yet). I hope no one decides to give it a haircut.

 

The red doors look quite striking w cherry blossom

 

830am PDT today and spotted the final hurrah

beautiful

I am adding the lovely euphorbia - allium bedding combo for contrast of the season

apparently the large pine in background is a Coulter Pine known to California - so said municipal gardener

Very nice spot - Sechelt visitor centre