Prunus, or Japanese cherries, are ornamental trees from the rose family. They are widely planted in many gardens and parks but also heavily used as street trees. Their flowering period is short but intense. Worldwide their blooms are admired by many and special festivals and events celebrate every spring the first cherry flowers. This study day will give you the opportunity to learn more about these fascinating trees and their background, to acquire practical skills and to exchange gardening ideas and experiences.

The programme covers systematics, Japanese culture, garden use and the best cultivars of Japanese cherries (both yama-sakura & sato-sakura). Lectures are held in the visitor centre, followed by a visit of the Japanese cherries in the arboretum.

For those staying till Sunday, there is the spring plant fair in Arboretum Kalmthout. More than 50 specialist nurseries will bring their best collection plants, together with a wide range of rare and desirable plants not usually offered for sale. Free entrance from 10 AM onwards for attendees of the study day.

Programme

09:15 welcome at Arboretum Kalmthout (coffee & tea)
10:00 introduction by Abraham Rammeloo
10:30 Cherry species around the world by Abraham Rammeloo (BE)
11:10 Flowering Cherries in the United States: Past, Present, and Future by Tony Aiello, Morris Arboretum (US)
12:00 lunch break
13:30 A love affair with Belgium, it’s people and plants by Chris Lane (GB)
14:15 Sato-Zakura are they really Japanese? by Arie Peterse (NL)
15:00 break & refreshment
15:20 visit of the Prunus collection at Arboretum Kalmthout (+/- 1h30)
17:00 end of the day

18:30 drinks & dinner – advanced dining reservation only