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Cherry Blossom Tree
This article explains why the cherry blossom tree is rarely used in Japanese gardens. Known as sakura in Japanese, cherry blossoms are indeed beloved by Japanese culture. In fact, during the brief cherry blossom season millions of Japanese families enjoy visiting parks (not gardens) and public promenades where the cherry blossom tree is planted. Enjoying food, drink, and song while surrounded by spectacular pink blossoms is an annual tradition.
Japan's sakura viewing tradition should not, however, be confused with its garden tradition. The Japanese garden is something different than a park or public area. It is an enclosed, intimate area that is normally positioned around a private home. The Japanese garden tradition prides itself on offering year-round beauty for homeowners to enjoy. The cherry blossom tree - which looks great for 2 weeks and terrible for the rest of the year - is spectacularly un-suited for Japanese gardens. This is just one of several reasons why the cherry blossom tree is NOT commonly seen in Japanese gardens in Japan.
This article explains more about this topic, and it also briefly addresses the so-called symbolism of cherry blossoms in Japanese culture.
