Two years ago, OJA applied for 25 flowering Japanese cherry trees for Orkney from the Sakura Cherry Tree project, a friendship project between Japan and the UK aiming to plant 10,000 trees across the country.  
 
Orkney is the northernmost location to receive trees, and we are expecting them to arrive on the boat this month – just in time for Christmas. They are going to 5 islands: the mainland, Sanday, Eday, Shapinsay and Stronsay.
 
There are sceptics who say cherry trees won’t grow in Orkney; they don’t like the wind. 

We hope to prove them wrong – we know there are a few cherry trees that bloom beautifully here every year– one in Stromness on the Back Road and one in a garden in the Hope.  KGS received two trees from this project in 2019 and one has already flowered.
 
Please help us find any other cherry trees that have put down roots in Orkney, and join us next spring when we celebrate this generous gift, with the hope that one day we may perhaps have HANAMI (flower viewing) picnics under pink blossoms here too.
 
Please send us your information and any photos to info@orkneyjapan.com, and let us know if you would like to participate in our cherry tree adventure in any way – we would appreciate your help.