Category: Cherry Scouts

Early Bloomers

Vancouver Whitcomb cherry trees at Nicola park

“The three straggly ‘Whitcomb’ at Nicola Mini-Park are also showing signs of pink. ” – (Willard)

When this posting went up on the VCBF Neighbourhood Blogs forum on January 12, I felt a shiver of excitement down my spine: “Cherry blossom season has begun!”

The Whitcomb cherry trees at Nicola Park are one of the first cherry trees to bloom in Vancouver. When their tiny, deep pink cherry blossoms are open, it officially marks the start of our “pink wave” here in Vancouver (a pink wave that will reach its peak during the Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival in April).

Whitcomb cherry blossoms are blooming mid-February to mid-March. They purple pink flowers are small and photogenic. Use the Neighbourhood Maps to locate a Whitcomb tree near you, grab your camera, and rejoice: Vancouver cherry blossom viewing has begun!

[Photos: Jessica Tremblay]

Tags downtown Vancouver, Nicola Park, Pendrell, UBC Botanical Garden forum, Vancouver cherry trees, VCBF Neighbourhood blogs, West-End, whitcomb cherry blossoms, Whitcomb cherry trees

Cherry Scouts Photos

Rancho Cherry Trees Blooming at Victoria Drive

Post author By Info
Post date April 7, 2018
No Comments on Rancho Cherry Trees Blooming at Victoria Drive

Rancho cherry trees are blooming beautifully on Victoria Drive, on several blocks north of Broadway.

The petals are small and delicate. The leaves are serrated, first green then turning to copper.

You’ll find Rancho everywhere around the city, including outside Pacific Centre, and in the middle of some intersections in Vancouver streets.

With over 54 varieties of cherry trees in Vancouver, there’s lots to see in the city. You’ll find more information about Rancho cherry trees and 54 varieties of cherry trees Ornamental Cherries of Vancouver.

Happy cherry blossom viewing!

Tags copper leaf, green leaf, Rancho cherry blossoms, Rancho cherry leaf, Rancho cherry trees, Serrated leave, Victoria Drive

Cherry Scouts Photos

Whitcomb Cherry Trees Identification Guide (Infographic)

Post author By Info
Post date February 19, 2018
No Comments on Whitcomb Cherry Trees Identification Guide (Infographic)

A helpful guide to identify Whitcomb cherry trees in Vancouver made into an infographic by cherry scout Jessica Tremblay.

The information comes from Ornamental Cherries in Vancouver, by Douglas Justice. Buy a copy to learn more about 54 cultivars of cherry trees in Vancouver and get ready for an awesome cherry blossom viewing season!

You might also like: How to tell the difference between cherry trees and plum trees (infographic)

Tags cherry tree identification, David Whitcomb, Douglas Justice, how to identify, infographic, Infographics, Jessica Tremblay, Ornamental Cherries in Vancouver, whitcomb cherry blossoms, Whitcomb cherry trees

Cherry Scouts Photos

Whitcomb cherry tree on the seawall (at the end of Denman)

Post author By Info
Post date February 10, 2018
No Comments on Whitcomb cherry tree on the seawall (at the end of Denman)

At the end of Denman street, when you stroll on the seawall towards waterfront, a Whitcomb cherry tree catches your attention with its purple-pink flowers.

A nearby downtown high-rise building creates an interesting background for photos.

This Whitcomb cherry tree is located between the parking lot and the seawall so it’s accessible by car, foot, and bicycle. The tree is about 50% bloomed, so dont’t wait too long to visit. Petals should begin to fall within 7-10 days.

To locate cherry trees in your neighborhood, check the VCBF Neighborhood maps

Photos: Jessica Tremblay

You might also like: pictures of this location in 2014.

Tags Bayshore, Denman, seawall, Stanley Park, vancouver, whitcomb cherry blossoms, Whitcomb cherry tree

Cherry Scouts Photos

Autumnalis Rosea (winter cherries) on Georgia/Willingdon

Post author By Info
Post date February 4, 2018
No Comments on Autumnalis Rosea (winter cherries) on Georgia/Willingdon

On Georgia street you’ll find a dozen Autumnalis Rosea cherry trees spread over five blocks between Willingdon and Gilmore.

Autumnalis Rosea cherry blossoms always look like they just woke up with a massive case of bed hair: their petals are curled inwards. As a consequence, the flowers look a bit messy, but adorable.

Autumnalis Rosea are winter cherries. They have really tiny flowers scattered on the tree, so I hope your camera has a good zoom!

The blossoms that survived winter look tired, but the good news is that when the sun comes out Autumnalis Rosea sometimes have another bloom in spring. Plan to visit on a sunny day, but hurry up: Autumnalis Rosea will be out of season pretty soon.

Check the VCBF Neighborhood maps to locate Autumnalis Rosea and see what else is blooming in your area.

Photos by Jessica Tremblay

You might also like: pictures of this location in 2015

Tags Autumnalis rosea, Burnaby, cherry blossoms, cherry trees, georgia, willingdon

Cherry Scouts Photos

Whitcomb cherry trees at Nelson and Bute

Post author By Info
Post date February 25, 2017
No Comments on Whitcomb cherry trees at Nelson and Bute

This Whitcomb cherry tree at the corner of Nelson and Bute seems to be overtaken by vines.

From the park across the street, you can take nice photos of the blossoms with apartment buildings in the background.

It’s nice to see Whitcomb cherry trees are finally starting to bloom after a pretty harsh winter in Vancouver (lots of snow!) Use the VCBF neighbourhood map to find Whitcomb cherry trees in Vancouver. Happy cherry blossom viewing!

Tags appartment, Bute, Nelson, Vancouver cherry blossoms, Vancouver cherry trees, West-End, whitcomb cherry blossoms, Whitcomb cherry trees

Cherry Scouts Photos

Whitcomb cherry trees at Nicola and Beach

Post author By Info
Post date February 25, 2017
No Comments on Whitcomb cherry trees at Nicola and Beach

These Whitcomb cherry trees, located in front of a beautiful apartment building at Nicola and Beach, will please photographers.

You can snap pictures of the blossoms and capture the nice architectural details on the building.

There are plenty of blossoms at this location.

Fallen cherry blossoms are covering the sidewalk.

There are two more Shirofugen cherry trees (not in bloom) on each side of the main steps. When they bloom, this will be a spectacular photo opportunity!

The building was so beautiful. Across the street, there was a woman capturing the scene in watercolour painting.

This location is only steps away from the seawall. Visit soon. The tree is about 50% bloom.

Tags appartment building, Beach, Nicola, Vancouver cherry blossoms, Vancouver cherry trees, West-End, Whitcomb cherry trees

Cherry Scouts Photos

Whitcomb cherry trees at Nicola and Pendrell

Post author By Info
Post date February 25, 2017
No Comments on Whitcomb cherry trees at Nicola and Pendrell

You can always count on the Whitcomb cherry trees located at Nicola and Pendrell to announce the beginning of the Vancouver cherry blossom season: they’re the first cherry trees to bloom in the city.

The Whitcomb cherry blossoms are currently 40% open and worth a visit if you’re in the Vancouver West-End area.

Due to the presence of many electrical wires, you’ll need to zoom to get good pictures.

Don’t forget to look at your feet: the fallen blossoms can make good photos too.

Use the VCBF neighbourhood map to locate Whitcomb cherry trees in your area.

Happy cherry blossom viewing!

Tags Nicola, park, Pendrell, Vancouver cherry blossoms, Vancouver cherry trees, West-End, whitcomb cherry blossoms, Whitcomb cherry trees

Cherry Scouts Photos Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival

Stanley Park Tree Talk and walk

Post author By Info
Post date March 28, 2016
No Comments on Stanley Park Tree Talk and walk

It was a gorgeous day for our Stanley Park Tree Talk and Walk.

About 35 people attended the tour lead by Bill Stephen (Park Board Superintendent of Urban Forestry) for a history of the park and a closer look at the cherry trees.

Akebono cherry petals were falling: at the slightest breeze, we were showered with petals. It was magical.

The Akebono blossoms (nearing the end of season) were totally white, luminescent.

Cherry Scout Wendy Cutler was wearing her blossom shoes for the occasion.

Between the rose garden and the pavilion, we stopped to see a small Takasago (hidden by other trees) on a trail.

Along the way, Bill talked about other types of trees in Stanley Park like the sycamores and Douglas firs.

The white Shirotae leading to the Japanese memorial were in full bloom.

At the Japanese memorial, we concluded our walk with the Ojochin cherry tree (also in full bloom). You could see copper leaves coming out.

Cherry petals are falling fast in Stanley Park (that’s why we had to reschedule the walk for today so people would get a chance to see the blossoms). Visit within the next 2 days to be showered with petals.