Cherry Trees Bloom As More Are Planted

 

 

Denver, April 13, 1996

 

      As the harshness of winter comes to and end in Colorado, people gather at the Denver Culture Center and exchange their snow shovels for gardening shovels.  Each year more members from every division participate, some to unwrap the trees that were planted the previous years and others to plant new seedlings. 

 

      This year, the eighth year of cherry-tree planting, people came prepared with 100 degree hearts, in 30 degree weather.  Toni Smith from the Denver Parks Department demonstrated for any new gardeners the best method in planting the delicate cherry trees.  “Let the digging begin!” yelled someone from the group. 

 

      Ninety trees were divided among five locations round the city.  Each group was equipped with shovels, axes, picks, and strong determination.  Soon every person realized that the city’s soil is made up of more than dirt.  Rocks larger than the size of dinosaur eggs were pulled from the earth.  There were conversations and laughter about what might be dug up next. 

 

      Peg Vinyard joined the planting brigade for the first time this year.  Along with her teammates, they cleared the rocks, asphalt, cement and old newspapers imbedded in the soil.  “We’ll have the first tree of the year planted in no time!” was the response from Peg as she planted the shovel firmly into the ground.  “It feels great to work hard on an activity that beautifies our inner city.” 

 

      The brisk wind against the backdrop of the pink blooms from previous planted trees reminded everyone that indeed winter always turns to spring. 

 

      Last year the blossoms opened only 70 percent before a spring snow forced them to the ground.  However, this year was the most exciting with each tree blooming 100 percent.  The banks of the Cherry Creek were brilliant with flowering trees. 

 

      Hour hundred trees are now thriving all around the city of Denver.  The sweet smells of pink cherry blossoms proved to us all that nature knows when spring is arriving.  All we have to do is put forth the work and be patient.  Nature will take care of the rest and the beautiful reward will soon follow. 

 

World Tribune article by Kathee Powloka