Five new cherry trees have been planted in Hammersmith Park to celebrate international friendship.
The cherry trees – or 'sakura' in Japanese – were planted in Hammersmith Park last weekend to mark a year of culture linking Japan and the UK.
"This is a welcome gift which is sure to brighten the park in springtime and will be a lasting symbol of the friendship between our countries," said Cllr Sue Macmillan, H&F Cabinet Member for Strategy.
The trees are part of a gift of 6,500 Japanese cherry trees planted in more than 500 parks and schools in the UK, using varieties chosen for their colour variation and blossom timing.
They could start to bloom as early as next spring. The planting coincided with the first sightings of this year's blossom on cherry trees in Ravenscourt Park in Hammersmith.
"Just like our relationship, these trees will grow stronger as they mature and, each year when they blossom, I hope they bring joy," said Yasumasa Nagamine, Japanese Ambassador to the UK.
Hammersmith & Fulham is determined to be the greenest borough in the country and boasts 18 accredited 'Green Flag' parks.
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