The Travelling Nutmeg: Spring at the Esplanade
Celebrating Spring in September has to be the least random thing of 2020, considering how wacky this year has been. Pouring rains have ruined my boots, made me late for meetings, even made me miss this gym (nah, rain had nothing to do with that). But when the sun comes out and the cherry blossoms are in full bloom, it's time to hit the Esplanade.
After a practice run on campus, I was ready to take on a long walk through the Esplanade on Sunday. But apparently so was everyone else.
There were photo shoots under every branch and cars in the background of every shot. I knew I would have to return during the week.
I also needed a plan. Cherry blossoms are surprisingly hard to photograph without a human subject. They were created solely for ambiance, a job well suited and executed, especially at the right angles. But on their own, the cotton candy snow melts into a sticky vegetative clump.
This would be a good time to explain why these spring blossoms are so special. Have you noticed that these trees have no leaves. After being stripped bare during the chill of winter, they make this brilliant comeback through the production of petals on their branches and trunk.
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| ...already replaced with leaves |
There are so many varieties producing pink, white, burgundy and even green calyxes which are eventually complemented with the arrival of lush leaves at peak flower bearing season.
The 5 petal Somei Yoshino are the most popular Cherry Blossoms to be cultivated outside of Japan. They can be found on Massey Campus, the Esplanade and even neighbouring homes. However these should not be confused with Plum Blossoms whose petals are rounder and have less separation.
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| Somei Yoshino aka Sakura aka Cherry Blossoms |
However these Magnolias are just as stunning against the backdrop of a sunny day and are actually my preference to photograph. If the weather goes well and 2020 falls back into rank, we should be seeing these bloom again in the summer.
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| Magnolia grandiflora |
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| Magnolia vulcan |
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| Magnolia grandiflora |
Ok. Horticulture lesson over. Back to hunting for the best cherry blossom shot. Turns out that humans aren't the only ones who are fascinated with blooms. In fact, come to think of it, it's their God given right to be.
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| I wasn't surprised to find these guys already out and about |
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| Tui, one of NZ native bird species, apparently love nectar so much that they have been know to get drunk from drinking fermented varieties |
I also made some new friends along the way. And it felt like I knew them forever. So we had to immortalise the moment.
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| Look at their dainty outfits |
Seemed like they were also on a mission to make their own memories. It felt like they allowed me to reminisce with them as their recalled their spring time in South China.
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| Everything about this moment is genuine, including my joy and that's why I love this picture. |
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| The trains have been off duty since Covid lockdown but their tracks have been pretty busy. |
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| More beautiful blossoms |
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| Up close and personal |
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| The winning shot! Thanks to Haron and Diego for the captures, tips and inspiration! |
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