Cherry blossoms beginning to burst open in the Okanagan, Kamloops
Pink and white cherry blossoms are appearing in parts of the Okanagan and are expected to open quickly in the region due to a string of warm weather days.
“They are just starting to open up here,” said Jack Lewko of Sunrise Orchards in Naramata. “They started further south, about a week ahead of us and will be opening in Oliver and Osoyoos already. With this warm weather the orchards will be white here in a few days and blossom fast further north up the valley.”
A sure sign of spring, the blossoms are commonly photographed and used for backdrops for photo sessions.
While Okanagan residents have enjoyed seeing orchards of cherry blossoms every spring for decades, only in the past few years has the same been available for Kamloops and area residents after Jealous Fruits established a 200-acre cherry farm in Pritchard.
READ MORE: Mammoth-sized cherry orchard near Kamloops gears up for second harvest season
Last year at least one photographer took advantage and did spring photo sessions surrounded by blooms for Mother’s Day and engagements and she’s booking more sessions this spring.
“This year we’re hoping for even more blossoms and beautiful, warm spring weather,” said Devon Storey of Devon Grace photography in Kamloops. “The blossoms make a magical setting, I love their pinks and whites.”
She’ll be holding mini photography sessions at the Thompson Valley Farms orchard middle of May and available spots are limited.
With cherry orchards scattered across the Okanagan Valley it will be easier for Okanagan residents to enjoy the spring blooms.
READ MORE: Okanagan cherry orchards sail through bitter cold winter
Where is your favourite spot to find cherry blossoms? Let us know in the comments below.
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