Purchasing the Gardens Annual Pass has to be one of the best buys when we get to check out festivals like Sakura and Poinsettias over Chinese New Year.

What I did not expect was our nation's obsession with this Japanese import, the first weekend it was launched the carpark was so full we gave up. Subsequently every other weekend seemed so full to even attempt based on other likeminded families who braved the crowds and having their photos photobombed by every other sakura fan.

So, we decided to take leave for this. Weekday morning, 9am and it was so empty and cold!

 

 There were a few species on exhibit and only after our visit did I start matching what we saw!

   



   



   

Prunus yeodensis is also known as the yoshino cherry and produces white flowers with five petals.

   

Prunus Kikushidare has large, light pink flowers that resemble Chrysanthemums, hence “Kiku” in its name, which means Chrysanthemum in Japanese

 

I want a sakura bouquet please, kbyethx! 


   

 In its full glory, without the crowds.

   
The mandatory shrine shot at the entrance.



Cyrus gets very excited at the gardens for some reason, perhaps we have a botanist in the making. 

   

 Thank god for timer and I love how it captures him smiling! Such a rare snap.

   

Little poser! 





Walking with the dowager, haha! It's moments like these that I appreciate him being little. That reaching out for my hand to grip it really tightly and never quite letting go unless of course he gets enticed by something fun.

How long do these moments last? 
   

Until we make it to the streets of Japan during Sakura season, this is sufficient! 

   


We had heaps of fun with all the photogenic corners, we cannot wait for next year's Sakura season already!

The exhibition runs till 8th April...which leaves not much time if you haven't checked it out yet!