Monday, April 10, 2006

THE BIG BLOOM OF CHERRY BLOSSOMS
At Lake Balboa in Van Nuys


Van Nuys - Did you miss the annual bloom of the Japanese cherry blossom trees at Lake Balboa? Well here's your chance to get a taste of what you missed.




With over 2,000 cherry blossom trees at Lake Balboa, a City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks facility, the annual bloom is quite a sight to see. This year the trees were at full bloom during the week of March 20th.

The cherry trees are the Pink Cloud variety, which means that they are ornamental and not fruit-producing. The plants were donated by an anonymous Japanese benefactor and were planted in 1992. They originated from a single parent tree and were developed to grow in warm climates. The flower has a single row of petals in a circular shape, just like those that are found on cherry trees in Japan.

The beautiful blossoms create a pictureque display of natural beauty for park visitors. Lake Balboa/Beilenson Park offers a variety of activities for all ages to enjoy. There's a bicycle path, a separate walking/jogging path, picnic areas and a children's play area. Water enthusiasts can enjoy pedal boats, kayaking, fishing and more.

Lake Balboa is located on Balboa Blvd., between Burbank Blvd. and Victory Blvd. For more information call (818)785-5798.



MEDIA CONTACT:
Jane Kolb: (213)928-9294, or cell, (323)816-6712