Hanami Day 2013

My regular Sunday morning search for something inexpensive and interesting to do led me recently to the Hanami Day at the National Rhododendron Gardens in Olinda.

Held on 22nd September, this was a special celebration based on the Japanese tradition of 'flower viewing' and appreciation of the cherry blossom.

Cherry blossom.

Unfortunately, the cherry blossom happened to bloom a few weeks ahead of schedule this year, so the Cherry Grove wasn't as spectacular as it could have been. But we really enjoyed the rhododendrons, magnolias, azaleas and camellias that were starting to bloom in other parts of the gardens.

Charlotte and Grace under a pink rhododendron.

Grace on one of many ladybird-painted rocks we saw.

The ever-smiling Lucinda.

Charlotte in front of a bed of daffodils and azaleas.

It seemed like most of Melbourne had the same idea as we did. The event was very popular. That unfortunately meant a long walk from the car just to get to the gardens, and lots of people on the paths. A few even wore traditional Japanese dress.

Girls arriving in traditional Japanese kiminos.

Grace and Charlotte enjoyed following the coloured lanterns strung in trees along the main path to the Cherry Grove, and they made a useful prompt for climbing back up the hill. "We'll walk past two more lanterns then have a rest!"

One of the lanterns decorating the path.

We were a little disappointed with the activities on offer at the Cherry Grove, which included a tent where a tea making ceremony was taking place, a few stalls with ikebana and bonsai, and quite a few stalls selling Japanese foods (where the queues were extremely long). There was also a demonstration of Japanese drumming, but we didn't fancy standing in the sun with the large crowd to watch. Instead, we had a little picnic from the snacks I had packed, then slowly climbed back up the hill for an ice cream.

Lucinda enjoying her lunch.

The National Rhododendron Gardens are free to enter, but this was the first time I had been inside. Even before the peak of the spring flower season, it is a beautiful place to visit.  Here is a selection of shots from around the gardens:

And, of course, the obligatory yet universally unsuccessful attempt to get all three little girls to look at the camera at the same time:

I'd probably prefer to visit the gardens on a day when it wasn't so crowded, but overall it was a pleasant outing. And until I can realise my dream of seeing the cherry blossom in Japan one day, this is definitely better than nothing!