Our Chapter’s donation for the purchase of a tree to be planted in the Seattle Japanese Garden to commemorate our chapter’s 50th Anniversary was made in October of 2008. At that time the garden was involved with construction of a new gate and a reception room. The gardener, Kathy Blanchard, wrote that she needed to delay buying a tree as access to the garden with a truck was prohibited by the construction project.

After searching many nurseries the gardener found a tree she thought was perfect for the Ikebana International tree. A spot was chosen in the Cherry Orchard and it was planted in November of 2009.

Our chapter’s official viewing of the tree took place on March 19, 2010 which was a beautiful sunny, warm day. The tree put on a show for us with lovely pale pink double flowers. Blooming in early spring it lives up to its name of “Dawn”, a Pinus Mume, which is appropriate for our Ikebana Chapter. Ume [Plum] is considered one of the ‘Friends of Winter’ along with the Pine and Bamboo and used at the New Year in a congratulatory arrangement called ‘Shochikubai’.

We encourage you to visit the Japanese Garden in the Arboretum and see the Ume.
The person in the ticket booth can direct you to the site.