See Cheery Cherry Blossoms At These Parks

Expect bright, colorful blooms at these seven local favorites.
Cheryl De Leon,
1 Cherry Blossoms

What’s the surest sign of spring’s arrival? Is it the later sunsets? The daffodils? Those first purple crocuses poking up in your garden?

By our measure, spring doesn’t kick off in earnest until the cherry and magnolia trees start to bloom, painting our neighborhoods in dreamy pastel pinks. And all around New Jersey, they’re doing just that. Nearby Newark’s Branch Brook Park has the largest and most varied collection of Japanese cherry blossom trees in the country (yes, more than Washington D.C.!), and it kicked off its 50th Annual Cherry Blossom Festival last Saturday—the festivities continue until April 19.

But you need not travel even that far for beautiful blooms. There are parks all over Bergen that can accommodate, whether you’re looking for a great photo op, the perfect picnic spot or a scenic place for a walk. Experts estimate that we’ll be in full bloom through the third week of this month, though that’s dependent on Mother Nature, so don’t delay! Stop by:

  • Cherry Blossom Park. The name of this park in River Edge speaks for itself, and it’s in full seasonal splendor right now.
  • Davis Johnson Park & Gardens. In Tenafly, lovely winding paths and a gazebo also await you here. (It’s a popular spot for photo shoots!)
  • Overpeck County Park. Both the Leonia and Ridgefield Park locations of this sprawling park have flowering trees for you to enjoy.
  • Pascack Brook County Park. A pond, ball fields and playgrounds make this Westwood park popular with families, and it’s beautiful in early spring.
  • Saddle River County Park. Spanning from Ridgewood to Saddle Brook, this spot feels like a true oasis, particularly when the trees are in full bloom.
  • Van Saun County Park. This park in Paramus almost needs to introduction—it’s one of Bergen’s most popular outdoor spaces. Of course, it also has cherry trees for you to enjoy.
  • Van Neste Square. Tucked into downtown Ridgewood, this green space paints the town in bright colors this time of year.

Do you have beautiful pictures of local flowers? Make sure you tag us @bergenmagnj in all your best shots!

 

Categories: Bergen Health & Life