Their beauty draws tourists and their pollen makes us sneeze…
So why does Washington DC have a Cherry Blossom Festival? What’s the difference between an American and a Japanese cherry tree? How do you make the very best cherry pie? And what would you do if your wife’s last plan before she died had been to take you to the Tokyo Cherry Blossom Festival?
On the 100th anniversary of the National Cherry Blossom Festival, we provide some answers:
Eliza’s Cherry Trees: Japan’s gift to America
by Andrea Zimmerman; illustrated by Ju-Hong Chen
How adventuress Eliza Scidmore, First Lady Helen Taft, and a Japanese scientist worked together to bring the beautiful cherry trees of Japan to Washington D.C. in 1912.
Lives of the Trees: An Uncommon History
by Diana Wells
Detailed history of over 100 trees, including the cherry tree. Includes physical descriptions, folklore and stories, geography and who transported them from place to place, origins of their common names, and more.
Cherry Blossoms: The Official Book of the National Cherry Blossom Festival
by Ann McClellan
The origin and history of the Cherry Blossom Festival. Includes historic photos of the festival, and recent photos by National Geographic photographer Ron Blunt.
Cherry Blossoms (DVD)
When his wife dies unexpectedly, Rudi vows to make up for her lost life by taking a last journey to Tokyo in the midst of the cherry blossom festival. [German, 2009]
How to Make a Cherry Pie and See the U.S.A
by Marjorie Priceman
A tour around the United States to gather coal, cotton, granite, and other natural resources needed to make the utensils for preparing a cherry pie
Washington From the Ground Up
by James H. McGregor
A History of the design and building of Washington DC, including the Tidal Basin and monuments.
Perfect Pies: The Best Sweet and Savory Recipes from America’s Pie Baking Champion
by Michele Stuart
Owner of the world famous shop Michele’s Pies in Newport CN shares almost 80 recipes, including Cherry Pie and Sour Cherry Crunch Pie (yum…)
