Cherry Blossom Land at Branch Brook Park

Cherry Blossom Land at Branch Brook Park: A Bamberger Fuld Legacy presents the history of the Japanese cherry trees in Newark, New Jersey with spectacular images of the local cherry blossoms photographed by the author. The Japanese cherry trees are surrounded by beautiful Branch Brook Park, the first county park in the United States. Cherry Blossom Land at Branch Brook Park also details the remarkable life of Caroline Bamberger Fuld, who gifted the first cherry trees to Branch Brook Park in 1927. Today, Branch Brook Park embodies 359 lush acres of forest and fields with stunning landscapes. Architecturally diverse bridges span small lakes and gushing streams. Branch Brook Park follows the Japanese tradition of honoring the delicate beauty and short life span of the cherry blossom with annual festivals. Cherry Blossom Land at Branch Brook Park provides a how to approach for the identification of cherry trees in the park. It also encourages hanami, the delightful pastime of cherry blossom viewing first practiced by 7th century Japanese aristocrats. Branch Brook Park is listed in both the New Jersey and National Registers of Historic Places.Book review: I thoroughly enjoyed the book, especially learning about the Bamberger/Fuld Family which put the history of the Cherry Blossoms into a helpful timeline. It will be a great read for anyone interested in finding out how Branch Brook Park's collection of Cherry Blossoms exceeds Washington DC's! The short history perfectly describes the making of Cherry Blossom Land and I'm sure others will find this book very informative. The descriptions of the Cherry Blossoms themselves will be quite helpful to the amateur horticulturist!Robin Dougherty, Executive Director Greater Newark Conservancy