In Bloom April 14

After a week of glory, the cherry trees around the Columbian Basin are giving way to the small green leaves that mark the end of Hanami. Thousands of people enjoyed them this week! The following photos are in the Japanese Garden itself.

The azalea bushes next to the garden gate are in gloriously pink.

The rhododendrons inside the gate are in full bloom.

The weeping cherry trees are delicate pink.

Virginia Bluebells, native to Illinois, are just starting to bloom, tucked into nooks all over the garden. 

I have a theory that these are a delicate flowering pear. I'm trying to find out.