Hertford and Stortford MP Julie Marson has helped plant a cherry blossom tree after she secured 30 for the constituency as part of a national project to celebrate the friendship between Britain and Japan.
Julie joined local councillors for the planting at the Grange Paddocks Leisure Centre in Bishop’s Stortford on Saturday.
The Sakura Cherry Tree Project will see over 6,000 trees established across the UK’s parks, gardens, care homes and schools to celebrate the warm relationship between the countries.
Julie applied for the trees and then offered them to care homes across Hertford and Stortford to brighten up gardens. It was also a ‘thank you’ for all the hard work the care sector has undertaken during the pandemic.
This year, 13 trees will be delivered directly to care homes. The remaining 17 are going to various community places for people to enjoy, including Grange Paddocks.
“I was really pleased to help put this tree in the ground and I know it will bring pleasure to the people of Bishop’s Stortford for many years to come especially when it blossoms in the spring,” said Julie.
“It is also laying down even stronger roots for the relationship we have with Japan and I would like to thank the Japanese government and Japanese individuals and businesses for making this gift to our country.
“I am particularly pleased that care homes across the constituency will be able to enjoy these beautiful blossom trees too.”
Cherry blossoms are of immense cultural significance in Japan and the ‘Sakura’ season when the trees blossom in spring is a big event in the country.
Julie was joined by councillors Graham McAndrew and David Snowdon, and Glendales landscaping contractors for the ceremony.
Photo Credit: East Herts Council