BLOSSOM time!

Cherry blossom is one of the joys of the season: catch it while you can around the UK

- PAULINE BROWN

There's nothing like the sight of cherry blossom to herald the return of spring. Gardeners at the Royal Horticultural Society predict that 2023 is going to be a bumper year for the delicate pink blooms.

And so it's also the perfect time to visit one of Britain's many Japanese-style gardens, which first became popular here in the late 17th century, when Japan was opened up to the West after a long period of isolation.

Although some fell into disrepair, many gardens have been restored to their former glory, while others have been created from scratch. In addition, the Sakura Cherry Tree Project was launched in 2017, marking 150 years of Japan-UK friendship and cooperation. This led to more than 6,000 sakura (or 'cherry blossom') trees being planted across the UK, many in schools and community projects.

Here are a few of the best places to enjoy the beauty of the sakura tree.

DISCOVER JAPANESE CULTURE

Many of the gardens have links with their local Japanese communities and host cultural events celebrating all things Japanese throughout the year. In addition, Edinburgh's Japanese community will be holding a festival in the Kyoto Friendship Garden at Lauriston Castle in late April, while the Japanese Garden at Cowden has a festival on 27 May.