The feature photo today is of a cherry tree at Studley Royal, near Ripon. It’s known to be at least 325 years old. This is extraordinary. Cherry trees aren’t long-lived. Fifteen to thirty years is usually enough.
This tree though isn’t the star of today’s show. Here’s some cherry blossom from another local site, Swinton Park. It’s definitely past its best – for now. Blossom gone, and with any luck pollinated by early bees, the tree’s energy is focussed on translating the flower into this year’s fruit. It’s moving forward to the next phase. Come late June, we can perhaps enjoy some of those cherries it’s producing.
For Becky’s #SquaresRenew
From Pyrenees to Pennines 
very clever squaring, and I guess the older one just keeps renewing itself with a new branch that eventually becomes a trunk. Fabulous
LikeLiked by 2 people
It’s a doughty specimen, and now being given LOTS of help and support.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yay! Beautifully done, Margaret, and how odd that that one’s hung on all these years. Good for it! Have a great week, hon.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Will do. Daughter-in-law’s parents coming to stay, so it should be a fun week. You too Jo!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Amazing longevity.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Quite astonishing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I wonder what’s kept the Studley Royal cherry going so long. They’re a fruit I gorge when they’re in season. Can’t wait!
LikeLike
Me neither. It’s been in a protected parkland, but even so… Now it’s propped and coddled and generally spoilt rotten.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ve seen similar coddling of ancient mulberry trees. I find their fruit a little too sweet.
LikeLike
What a wonderful post, Margaret! It’s astonishing and uplifting. Have you considered posting it for our latest challenge–“hopeful”? It would be perfect! I hope all’s well.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s a thought. I have missed doing the challenges these last few weeks. Wall-to-wall guests and all sorts!
LikeLike
love that doughty old specimen! Pleased it gets lots of assistance in its incredible old age
LikeLiked by 1 person
It does, Sue.
LikeLiked by 1 person
And does the old lady still provide fruit?
LikeLike
Nope. Give it a break!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lovely decay. I love the old tree. I hope your community looks after this bit of heritage
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s cossetted beyong anythng most of us could ever hope for!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow that is ancient for a cherry.
LikeLike
The Studley Royal blossom has a bit of magic about it. Beautiful!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s quite a sight, and much admired.
LikeLike
That old cherry tree is an amazing example of how resilient nature can sometimes be!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s certainly doing its excellent best!
LikeLiked by 1 person
How wonderful.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, it is!
LikeLike
That’s very interesting, Margaret 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good. Thanks, Aletta.
LikeLiked by 1 person
What an incredible old tree. I have only seen apparently ornamental cherry trees that blossom but don’t seem to come up with edible fruit. How amazing to be able to pick edible cherries! What a treat. As far as I know there is only one region in this country that is suitable for farming cherries so they are somewhat special when available in season in the shops.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh, fruit-bearing trees are common enough here, and I have two local walks I prize at the end of June for the sweet treats there for the taking. They’re smaller than commercial cherries, but just as tasty. One of these walks also offers me bullace plums (an old fashioned variety) later on.
LikeLike
325 years is extraordinary. It looks like it is trying to root itself, if I’m seeing things correctly. It fascinates me how plants can be young and old at the same time – this year’s blooms seeming as fresh as the first year’s blooms must have been.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s had many alarms and excursions and it has indeed self rooted, so.perhaps it can’t really claim to be the original tree. It’s had cuttings taken and all sorts to make sure the line continues.
LikeLiked by 1 person